Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has expressed his thoughts on the possibility of facing Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup.
Lamine Yamal is keen to play against Ronaldo (Image: Getty Images)
Lamine Yamal admitted it would be an “honour” to play against Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup. Yamal is still working on getting back into the swing of his game, but remains one of Spain’s standout performers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 18-year-old dazzled supporters at Los Angeles Stadium as Spain sealed their place in the round of 16 with a convincing 3-0 win over Austria.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo and Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 to set up a juicy showdown with Spain in the last 16. The 41-year-old scored on a penalty kick, contributing to Portugal’s come-from-behind victory, and overcame his misfortune by scoring a goal in the final tournament for the first time in World Cup history.
Pre-match preparations for Monday’s showdown will undoubtedly be dominated by Yamal and Ronaldo. The Barcelona sensation spoke candidly about the possibilities facing the legend.
After the 3-0 win, Yamal insisted to journalists that he was focusing solely on individual matches, rather than focusing on potential opponents.
“I’m not really concerned,” he told reporters in Spanish. This comment underlines Yamal’s team spirit and elite spirit, with the youngster welcoming all challengers. Despite both being La Liga icons, the pair have never faced each other in Spain.
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Their only previous meeting was in the UEFA Nations League final, where Portugal came from a 2-2 stalemate to win 5-3 on penalties. Ronaldo was sent off due to injury in the 88th minute of this match.
In 12 months’ time, the now 18-year-old could get the chance to settle the score against the icon of his generation on football’s biggest stage. Looking ahead, Yamal said: “Of course it’s an honor to play against Cristiano,” but was quick to stress that his main concern is securing victory.
Ronaldo’s World Cup dream is still alive (Image: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
The young star revealed that crowds seem to be cheering his name at every ground he visits and he is enjoying every moment. Asked how it feels to receive such a warm welcome every time he steps on the pitch, the 18-year-old said: “I’m very happy” about the support he gets.
“I’m very happy to have been able to spend this past year in every stadium I’ve played in,” he added in Spanish. “I’m very grateful, and it helps motivate me even more.”
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As Spain and Yamal celebrate their country’s first World Cup finals victory since 2010, the teenage sensation is making the most of every second and finding himself in a remarkable position that a precious few never get to experience.
“Well, I’m focused on playing football and spending a lot of time with my family,” he added. “At the end of the day, they’re the only ones who see me as I am. And I’m focused on every game, but this is a new challenge.”
“Your career is very short and once you turn 18 you can’t play in another World Cup, so you have to enjoy it.”
Spain will next face winners Portugal on Monday 6th July, kick-off at 8pm.
