Best player Nuno Mendes proud to 'kill' Lamine Yamal in the 2024/25 Nations League final

TPO - Nuno Mendes is proud to have locked down Lamine Yamal in Portugal's victory over Spain in the 2024/25 Nations League final.

Nuno Mendes is the best in the 2024/25 Nations League final

22 year old warrior

A 5-3 penalty shootout win after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Spain has crowned Portugal champions of the 2023/24 Nations League.

While Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears due to injury, possibly his last appearance in a major final for his national team, the spotlight was on Nuno Mendes.

The PSG left-back was voted Man of the Match, scored the opening goal and played brilliantly throughout the 120 minutes. Against Lamine Yamal, who is currently the fastest, most skilled and most dangerous player in Europe, Mendes showed the mettle of a true warrior.

“I have seen many technical players this season, and Lamine is one of them,” Mendes shared after the match. “But today, I did not let him show his strengths. That helped the team and I am proud of that,” Mendes emphasized.

Nuno Mendes (red shirt) neutralizes Lamine Yamal.

Dembele deserves the Golden Ball

Also in the interview, Mendes unexpectedly nominated Ousmane Dembele for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, instead of the young player who had just faced him.

“I played with Ousmane and he had a great season. Lamine had a great season,” said the Portuguese defender. “But Ousmane will play in the Club World Cup and Lamine won’t. I’m really happy for Ousmane.”

From his constant injuries at Barcelona to his spectacular revival at PSG, Dembele has not only won the trust of the coaching staff but also his teammates, as Mendes admitted:

“He is a top player and a good friend in the dressing room. We will help Ousmane realise his dream of winning the Ballon d'Or."

Ronaldo – a role model for the next generation

Despite leaving the field in the middle of the match due to injury, Cristiano Ronaldo still managed to leave his mark with a valuable equalizer and his familiar steely spirit. At the age of 40, CR7 is still an irreplaceable spiritual support in coach Roberto Martinez's squad.

“We need him both on and off the pitch,” Mendes said gratefully. “Cristiano always has the right advice, is an example of professionalism and a desire to win.”

With names like Mendes, Vitinha, Goncalo Inácio… Portugal is undergoing a strong generational transition. But Ronaldo’s legacy – his fighting spirit and his footballing prowess – continues to inspire.

And if nights like the one in Munich are any indication, the Selecao's future will not be short of brilliance.

Trong Dat

Source: https://tienphong.vn/the-best-player-nuno-mendes-tu-hao-bat-chet-lamine-yamal-o-chung-ket-nations-league-202425-post1749534.tpo