This Sunday, the Portuguese host Spain in yet another giant European soccer match. It is a Nations League decider, but it has the aura of a Euro about it. What might otherwise have only been another game for a medal has also turned into an event of a generation: the Portuguese national team's all-time biggest star at the age of 40, Cristiano Ronaldo, against the leading hope from the new generation of Spain, Lamine Yamal, at the age of just 17. Everyone is expecting an incredible match, but also the symbolical passing of the baton — although neither one believes it.
Cristiano Ronaldo, in his pre-match news conference, was as blunt as he was questioned about the one-on-one with Yamal. He dismissed any attempt to simplify the game into star vs. star. He continued to stress the fact that soccer is a team sport, not an ego contest.
With every match, it is always Cristiano against someone. It has always been like that. New generations appear, no problem. It is a team sport. I understand it, but it is not the reality. It is not against someone, it is Cristiano.
A veteran's respect towards someone who is just starting
Cristiano's words have weight, context, and intention. He knows what it is to be under pressure from a young age. He knows how easily excitement can turn into pressure. That is why, in the context of Yamal, he spoke in rich praise, but with protection too.
I just hope the child is allowed to grow in tranquility, in the interests of football. The boy is good, he is in no sense inferior in quality. We have to take care of him. My children take to Lamine.
It is one such sentence which stands out in so many respects. Firstly, For the recognition of the skill of the Barcelona player. Secondly, in showing that Cristiano, at the age of 40, does not need to overshadow someone who is just beginning to make his entry. Third, due to an inherent, human aspect: the adoration of his children. All parents will relate to the fact that if your children look up to someone, it tips the scales in your favor.
It's telling to see that, although the two will share the same ground this Sunday, Cristiano and Yamal will see little or no one-on-one time in the match. Their ultimate photo, however, is symbol-laden. On one hand, the player who has hogged the news, clinched the wins, and broken the records over two decades. On the other, the young player who is already heralded to be the gem soccer in the making in Europe.