Cristiano Ronaldo: My son is a fan of Lamine Yamal. They look alike

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest players in football history, surprised fans and reporters alike during a recent press conference by revealing a heartwarming detail about his son’s football idol. While many might assume that Cristiano Jr. would only look up to his legendary father, it turns out the young star is enamored with another football prodigy: Lamine Yamal.

Ronaldo didn’t hesitate to heap praise on Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, who has been making waves across Europe for both club and country. But what stood out most during Ronaldo’s comments was the personal connection his son feels with the 16-year-old Spanish winger.

“My son and Lamine Yamal look very much alike — their skin tone, their hairstyle, their general look,” said Ronaldo with a smile. “They’re about three years apart in age, but there’s definitely a resemblance.”

Cristiano Jr., who is currently developing his game at Al Nassr’s youth academy in Saudi Arabia, is also a key member of Portugal’s under-15 national team. Despite his own rising profile, Cristiano Jr. is captivated by Yamal’s talents and trajectory, and his admiration is clear.

“I like Lamine a lot, and my son admires him even more,” Ronaldo continued. “It’s funny because I see the same spark in my son’s eyes when he watches Yamal play — the same spark I had when I watched players like Luís Figo and Zidane as a kid.”

This unexpected endorsement from Ronaldo is significant, not only because of the praise he offers Yamal, but also because of the footballing dynamics at play. While Ronaldo represents Real Madrid’s most glorious modern era, Yamal is seen as a beacon of Barcelona’s future — fierce rivals in La Liga’s eternal battle.

Despite that rivalry, Ronaldo showed true sportsmanship and admiration for the young Barcelona star. “Football isn’t about rivalry alone — it’s about talent, inspiration, and passion. And Lamine has all of that,” Ronaldo said. “You have to respect that.”

This admiration comes at a fascinating moment, as Ronaldo is set to face off against Lamine Yamal in the upcoming UEFA Nations League final. The match pits Portugal against Spain, a generational clash in more ways than one.

Yamal, still only 16, is already a full international for Spain and continues to break records for youngest debuts, youngest goals, and now stands on the brink of possibly becoming the youngest ever Ballon d’Or winner — should he lead Spain to a major title this summer.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez recently acknowledged how difficult it would be to contain the Barcelona wonderkid, and hinted at a specific strategy to neutralize Yamal’s threat in the final. “We’re preparing a special plan for Lamine,” Martinez said. “He’s not a regular 16-year-old.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, who will likely be starting for Portugal, could potentially share the pitch with Yamal for the first time. If so, it will be a symbolic passing of the torch — from a five-time Ballon d’Or winner to a player many believe could be next in line for greatness.

The media has already begun to compare Yamal’s meteoric rise to those of previous teenage sensations like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and even Cristiano Ronaldo himself. But Yamal is carving his own path, defined by technical wizardry, game intelligence, and maturity beyond his years.

For Cristiano Jr., who is also trying to make a name for himself away from his father’s shadow, Yamal’s example may serve as both inspiration and motivation. Seeing a player close to his own age excelling on the biggest stages could fuel his own ambitions.

Ronaldo’s acknowledgement of his son’s admiration for Yamal also paints a softer image of the Al Nassr star, showing the father behind the icon. It’s a reminder that even in a household of legends, the next generation finds new heroes to look up to.

In today’s football world, where fans often argue about who’s the greatest, Ronaldo’s words remind us that greatness appreciates greatness — regardless of the jersey.

Whether or not Spain triumphs over Portugal in the Nations League final, the encounter between Lamine Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo is destined to be a symbolic moment in football history.

It will not just be a final between two footballing giants. It will be a meeting of generations — the past and the future facing off under the stadium lights, with millions watching, and perhaps none more eagerly than Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.

As the world gears up for this titanic clash, all eyes will be on Lamine Yamal to see whether he lives up to the praise and carries Spain to another trophy. And who knows? Perhaps he’ll inspire another young Ronaldo along the way.