Nuno Mendes Supports Ousmane Dembélé in Ballon d’Or Race
Nuno Mendes, a key player for Paris Saint-Germain, has expressed robust support for his teammate Ousmane Dembélé in the upcoming Ballon d’Or competition. Mendes made headlines after his performance in the UEFA Nations League final, where Portugal emerged victorious over Spain in a 5-3 penalty shootout, following a thrilling 2-2 draw in regular time held in Munich.
Mendes’ Performance in the UEFA Nations League Final
During the match, Mendes showcased exceptional skill, netting the opening goal for Portugal and consistently outmaneuvering Spain’s Lamine Yamal—an impressive feat considering Yamal’s reputation as a rising star. Following Portugal’s triumph, which saw a visibly emotional Cristiano Ronaldo leave the game prematurely due to injury, Mendes earned the Player of the Match accolade.
“It was just another battle against a talented opponent. Today, I was able to neutralize Yamal’s abilities, which was crucial for our success.”
Team Contributions and the Ballon d’Or
Mendes continued by discussing the importance of each player contributing consistently to the team’s efforts, crediting his performance to the individual work he has done alongside coaches both at PSG and with the national team. Speaking about the race for the Ballon d’Or, he noted:
“While both Yamal and Ousmane had stellar seasons, I believe Ousmane has the edge as he will participate in the Club World Cup, whereas Yamal will not. I’m delighted for Ousmane’s accomplishments and wish him all the best in the Ballon d’Or competition.”
Mendes praised Dembélé, acknowledging the player’s injury challenges at Barcelona before his transition to PSG, commenting on his talent and character.
Honoring Cristiano Ronaldo
In addition, Mendes took the opportunity to honor Cristiano Ronaldo, who played a pivotal role in the final by scoring the second equalizer for Portugal. As the seasoned forward continues his career with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia ahead of the next World Cup, Mendes stressed the significance of Ronaldo’s presence within the squad.
“Cristiano is invaluable to our team dynamic. His on-field contributions are matched by his off-field mentorship for younger players like myself. His leadership and winning mentality are integral to our success.”
Conclusion
Mendes’ reflection on his teammates, particularly Dembélé and Ronaldo, illustrates the strong camaraderie and competitive spirit within the Portuguese national team as they prepare for future challenges on the international stage.
