Cristiano Ronaldo praises Lamine Yamal ahead of World Cup showdown: ‘Has a bright future’

Cristiano Ronaldo praises Lamine Yamal ahead of World Cup showdown: ‘Has a bright future’ Cristiano Ronaldo has tipped FC Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal for a ‘bright future’ ahead of the massive World Cup Round of 16 clash between Spain and Portugal on Monday. The Portuguese captain offered rare praise for the teenage prodigy, despite admitting he has not been closely following La Roja’s matches during the tournament. Ronaldo’s praise for Lamine Speaking to reporters at a pre-match press conference, Ronaldo was asked about the impact of the 18-year-old Barcelona winger, who has taken the international stage by storm. “Lamine Yamal has a bright future,” Ronaldo stated, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano . “He’s doing very well and his future will be great. But I always look at Spain as a team and they play very well,” the Real Madrid legend further added. Ronaldo hails Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) The acknowledgment from one of football’s greatest ever icons underscores the massive reputation Yamal has quickly built across the global game. Ronaldo rates Lamine very highly This is not the first time that Cristiano has spoken highly of the Barcelona prodigy, having had words of praise for the 18-year-old winger last year when Spain and Portugal faced off in the UEFA Nations League final. “Lamine Yamal is doing very well, taking advantage of his talent. Let the kid grow,” Cristiano had said . “Don’t put too much pressure on him. Let him be and grow well, take the pressure off. He has no shortage of talent.” A year before that, following Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph, Cristiano had tipped Lamine as a future Ballon d’Or winner as well.  Setting up a highly-anticipated clash Lamine will be key for Spain against Portugal. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images) The comments add a fascinating layer of intrigue to Monday’s blockbuster knockout match, which pits Ronaldo’s experienced Portugal side against a vibrant, youthful Spain squad. While Ronaldo admitted his viewing of Spain at the World Cup has been limited, his endorsement of Lamine highlights the threat the youngster poses. The teenage La Masia graduate showcased his quality in La Roja’s Round of 32 win over Austria and will be a handful for the Portuguese defense. For Yamal, facing Ronaldo in a win-or-go-home World Cup match represents a true passing of the torch moment. The Barcelona wonderkid grew up watching the legendary forward dominate European football, and he now has the opportunity to go head-to-head with him on the ultimate international stage.