Cristiano Ronaldo came to Lamine Yamal's aid after the UEFA Nations League final shielding him from pressure and criticism.

Cristiano Ronaldo has jumped to the defence of Lamine Yamal, saying that the Spanish sensation should be left alone and given his space. Yamal had a lacklustre outing in the final of the Nations League against Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo has hailed Lamine Yamal as a “phenomenon” while calling for the football world to “leave him alone”. Ronaldo, whose Portugal side beat Yamal’s Spain on penalties in the Nations League final on Sunday, was full of praise for the 17-year-old, who started in both the semi-final and final.