“I DIDN’T EXPECT HIM TO SAY THAT.” Lamine Yamal Finally Reveals What Happened During His First-Ever World Cup Meeting With Cristiano Ronaldo—And His Honest Comments Are Leaving Fans Divided Ahead Of Spain’s Biggest Match Yet
Lamine Yamal has admitted it would be an ‘honour’ to go head-to-head with Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup. Despite still working his way back to full match sharpness, Yamal remains one of Spain’s standout performers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 18-year-old mesmerised supporters at Los Angeles Stadium as Spain secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria to seal their progression to the Round of 16.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo and Portugal have set up a mouthwatering clash with Spain in the last 16 after defeating Croatia 2-1. The 41-year-old broke his hoodoo by scoring his first-ever World Cup knockout goal after netting from the spot to help Portugal come from behind to win.
The pre-match build-up to Monday’s showdown will no doubt be dominated by Yamal and Ronaldo. The Barcelona sensation has been frank about the possibility facing the legend.
Speaking to journalists following the 3-0 triumph, Yamal insisted he is solely concentrating on each individual fixture, rather than dwelling on potential opponents.
“I don’t really care,” he told reporters in Spanish. The comment underlined Yamal’s team ethos and elite mentality, with the youngster welcoming all challengers. Despite both being La Liga icons, the pair have never gone head-to-head in Spain.
The only previous meeting came in the UEFA Nations League Final, which Portugal claimed 5-3 on penalties following a 2-2 stalemate. Ronaldo was forced off in the 88th minute of that encounter due to injury.
Fast forward 12 months, and the now 18-year-old could get the chance to settle the score against the generational icon on football’s grandest stage. Reflecting on the prospect, Yamal said it would be “an honour to play against Cristiano obviously,” though he was quick to stress that his primary concern was securing victory.
Ronaldo’s World Cup dream is still alive© Dan Mullan/Getty Images
The young star made it plain that he is relishing every moment as crowds seemingly cheer his name at every ground he visits. When quizzed on how it felt to receive such a warm reception each time he takes to the pitch, the 18-year-old said he was “very happy” for the backing he gets.
“I’m very happy for the year that I have been having in all the stadiums that I have played,” he added in Spanish. “I thank you very much and it helps me to be more motivated.”
As Spain and Yamal revel in their country’s first World Cup knockout victory since 2010, the teenage sensation is doing his utmost to cherish every second, finding himself in a remarkable position that precious few ever get to experience.
“Well, I focus on playing football and spending a lot of time with my family,” he added. “In the end, they’re the only people who see me as who I am. And I focus on every game, which is a new challenge.
“You have to enjoy it because it’s a very short career and I’ll never be in a World Cup again when I’m 18.”
Spain will next face the winner Portugal on Monday, July 6, in the 8pm kick-off.
