Mind games, his unparalleled desire to win, and the ego issues accompanying it? No one knows for sure, but Cristiano Ronaldo has triggered another serious debate among football fans after claiming that Lamine Yamal shouldn’t win the Ballon d’Or ahead of the UEFA Nations League showdown between Portugal and Spain (Sunday, 10 pm).Talking to the media on Saturday, a day ahead of the finals at Allianz Arena, Cristiano said that the 17-year-old Barcelona winger should not win the award. Instead, the 40-year-old believes it should go to a Paris Saint-Germain player. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8968313##”The individual awards have lost some consensus,” said Ronaldo and added: “I can’t say anything about who should win. In my opinion, those who stand out and win the Champions League should win. But there is no consensus. I don’t believe much in individual awards because I know what goes on behind the scenes. Lamine could win, like Dembele or Vitinha, other emerging players… But individual awards are irrelevant.”As per Diario AS, Ronaldo gave his thoughts on Lamine Yamal while warning those with high expectations of him.”Lamine Yamal is doing very well. He is taking full advantage of his talent. Now let the kid grow and don’t put too much pressure on him. Let him be and let him grow well, take the pressure off him. He has no shortage of talent.”Nations League: Cristiano scores a winner as Portugal come from behind to top GermanyTalking about the match in Munich itself, he also laughed off comparisons between himself and Lamine Yamal, whom he believes should be likened to players in his own generation.”It’s always been Cristiano against this or that. I’m used to it. They are different generations – one begins and the other ends. They should compare Lamine with Vitinha, who is closer (to his generation). But no problem, I’m left with the criticism. In reality, it is one selection against another. But I understand – the media heats up the game, it’s nice and normal. What I want most is for Portugal to be at a good level and win, against a team that is probably the best in the world,” concluded he.UEFA NATIONS LEAGUEThird-place gameSunday 16.00: (2.40) Germany (3.70) France (2.75)FinalSunday 22.00: (3.80) Portugal (3.85) Spain (1.90)***odds are subject to change***
