Cristiano Ronaldo has hailed Lamine Yamal as a “phenomenon” while calling for the football world to “leave him alone”. Ronaldo, whose Portugal side beat Yamal’s Spain on penalties in the Nations League final on Sunday, was full of praise for the 17-year-old, who started in both the semi-final and final.

Cristiano Ronaldo lifted a trophy. Lamine Yamal lifted eyebrows. One ended in tears of joy, the other in silent frustration.

Portugal won the 2024-25 edition of the UEFA Nations League in penalties against Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich after the match finished 2-2. After winning the semifinal against Germany on Wednesday,