Ramin Yamal made headlines in 2023, drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi. As Spain prepares to face Portugal in the UEFA Nations League Finals on Sunday at 3 PM (Fox), the spotlight will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, a key competitor in Yamal’s and Messi’s careers.
At 40, Ronaldo is 23 years older than 17-year-old Yamal, but the young player’s international achievements already stack up impressively against one of the sport’s greatest. Here’s a closer look at these two stars ahead of the UEFA Nations League final.
Yamal at 17
Lamine Yamal was chosen as the young player for Euro 2024 just a day after turning 17. (Photo of Tom Weller/Picture Alliance by Getty Images)
Yamal set numerous records during Euro 2024, becoming the youngest player to participate (16 years, 338 days old) and the youngest to achieve assists in Euro matches (16 years, 362 days old). He finished with one goal and four assists, including contributions in the final.
His four assists mark the highest ever in a single edition of the Euro by a player of his age, and he was named the tournament’s best young player. Following this breakout performance, Yamal continued to shine in his season with FC Barcelona, notching 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 appearances. To put this into perspective, Ronaldo had only five goals and six assists at the same age.
Barcelona secured the 2024-25 La Liga title with Yamal leading the league in assists (13). With four club trophies and one major international title under his belt, if he manages to clinch the UEFA Nations League title on Sunday, he’ll equal Ronaldo’s count of international trophies at age 40. Ronaldo had won the Euro in 2016 and the Nations League in 2019.
Ronaldo at 40
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the men’s record for the most goals and appearances in international competitions. (Photo: Daniela Porcelli/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images)
Despite Yamal’s impressive start, keeping pace with Ronaldo’s career will be challenging. Ronaldo recently scored against Germany in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals, extending his record for international goals to 137. He solidified his status as a record-breaking player at the age of 36 in September 2021.
In 2022, he became the first male player to score in five World Cups, joining an exclusive group with female players like Christine Sinclair. Additionally, he holds the record for most international appearances by a male player, sitting at 220, surpassing retired competitor Badar Al Mutawa.
While Ronaldo’s international trophy count may not match some of his club accomplishments, he did lead Portugal to victory in Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019. His club career includes five Champions League titles, making him the second in history with an impressive 141 goals in the tournament, including the highest number in knockout stages and finals.
Overall, Ronaldo has amassed 31 club trophies across four leagues and boasts five Ballon d’Or awards, trailing only Lionel Messi’s eight.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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As soccer fans, the rise of Lamine Yamal signifies the emergence of fresh talent in the sport, potentially heralding a new era in football. The clash between Yamal and Ronaldo in the UEFA Nations League Finals not only highlights a generational rivalry but also sets the stage for an exciting future in the game.
