Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammate, Portugal MVP Nuno Mendes sets record straight: ‘I cancelled out Lamine Yamal’

Nuno Mendes emerged as the Most Valuable Player of the UEFA Nations League final, helping Portugal defeat Spain and secure another trophy in the Cristiano Ronaldo era. After the game, the standout left back made a bold statement, saying he “cancelled out Lamine Yamal.”

Yamal has been one of the breakout stars of the season and is already being discussed as a potential Ballon d’Or candidate, alongside names like Ousmane Dembele. But against Mendes, the 17-year-old struggled to make any meaningful impact. Subbed off in extra time without a goal or assist, Yamal was neutralized for most of the match. In his post-game press conference, Mendes didn’t shy away from assessing the one-on-one battle:

“It was a clash like many others this season. I’ve faced great technical and skilled players that can make the difference at any moment. Today, I managed to cancel out Lamine. I didn’t let him do what he does best. I think that helped the team a lot. I’m happy I contributed, and even happier that Portugal won this trophy.”

Mendes’ lockdown performance on Yamal only strengthened his case as one of the best left backs in the world right now. In La Liga, Yamal completed 239 successful dribbles in 35 matches—an average of 6.8 per game. Against Mendes, he managed just two dribble attempts, completing only one. That stat line underscored just how effectively Mendes took him out of the game.

On the other end of the field, Mendes was just as impactful. He scored Portugal’s opening goal and delivered the cross that led to Cristiano Ronaldo’s equalizer. He also led the match in completed dribbles (4 of 5) and won the most duels (7 of 10), making him a fully deserving MVP.

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At just 22 years old, Mendes has already shut down Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka in the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain—where he lifted the trophy this year. Now, after a dominant showing against one of football’s most exciting young attackers, Mendes is building a case for a truly unforgettable season.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence on Nuno Mendes

Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal on August 20, 2003. More than two decades later, he’s still making an impact—not just on the pitch, but also as a mentor to his teammates. When asked about the presence of Ronaldo in the squad, Mendes didn’t hesitate to praise the veteran’s leadership.

“We’re very happy for him—another title, and he fully earned it. He helps us a lot on and off the pitch. He gives advice to me and the other teammates,” Mendes said, highlighting how Ronaldo has embraced a new phase of his career as a guiding figure for the next generation.

With Roberto Martínez taking over as head coach in 2023, Ronaldo has maintained his spot in the national team—even at age 40—and his influence is deeply felt by younger players. “We need to have him in the group. He’s very experienced, has a great attitude, and a winning mentality. He’s still very good. He’s a role model for the young players in the national team, and that helps us grow,” Mendes concluded.