Nuno Mendes Silences Yamal and Sparks Ballon d’Or Buzz in Nations League Triumph
Let me tell you what we just witnessed in the Nations League final – it wasn’t just a Portugal victory over Spain, it was a coming-of-age performance from Nuno Mendes that might finally drag his name into the Ballon d’Or conversation. And honestly, about time.
We’ve talked endlessly about the PSG trio of Donnarumma, Hakimi, and Dembele when it comes to accolades, but Mendes? He’s been flying under the radar. Not anymore. This final was his moment – and he seized it with authority. His duel with Lamine Yamal, the teenage prodigy everyone’s been buzzing about, was expected to be one for the ages. But rather than a back-and-forth showcase, it turned into a lockdown clinic by Mendes.
Yamal, who had lit up France in the semi-final and looked every inch a future superstar, couldn’t get a sniff past the Portuguese full-back. Mendes didn’t just contain him – he outclassed him. Whether it was his drag-backs, his acceleration past Yamal to set up Ronaldo’s equalizer, or the pure grit he showed in every challenge, Mendes looked like a player playing with a point to prove.
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Sure, Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a goal and the headlines in some places – and fair enough, it was his 221st appearance for Portugal – but let’s be real, this final belonged to Mendes. Every time Portugal looked dangerous, it came down his side. Even Leao’s introduction, which caused Spain all sorts of issues, was amplified because Mendes kept feeding him the ball in dangerous areas.
Spain had their moments – Cucurella was heavily involved, and Oyarzabal looked sharp with a goal and an assist. But as the game wore on, it was Mendes and Portugal growing into the fight. The teenager Yamal – so dazzling in previous games – was reduced to chasing shadows. And that speaks volumes.
By the time the game went to penalties, Mendes had done enough. He’d outplayed the most hyped youngster in world football, influenced both goals, and walked off the pitch with a performance that demanded global attention. Portugal’s win was secured by Diogo Costa’s shootout heroics, but the groundwork had already been laid by Mendes.
This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. If the Ballon d’Or spotlight isn’t on Nuno Mendes after this, maybe it’s time we ask why not.
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