The Only Rival Who Stops Yamal

Lamine Yamal has quickly become one of Europe’s most electrifying young stars, capable of changing any game on his own. Yet there is one opponent who has managed to neutralize him not once, but twice: Nuno Mendes. The Portuguese full-back already shut him down in the 2025 Nations League final and did it again in the Champions League, cementing himself as the Barça star’s toughest rival.

In that Nations League showdown, Mendes completely silenced Yamal, scored a goal of his own, and was crowned MVP. Months later, fate reunited them in Barcelona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, and the story repeated itself: Mendes dominated defensively, delivered a decisive assist, and once again walked away as Man of the Match.

Two Matches, Two MVP Performances

What makes this rivalry so striking is that in both encounters, Mendes not only performed well but outshone everyone else on the pitch. For a left-back to claim MVP honors twice, especially against one of the game’s brightest young stars, is a rare feat.

• Nations League 2025: MVP, goal, and flawless defending.
• Champions League 2025/26: MVP, assist, and total control in Barcelona.

The record is clear: two games, two victories for Mendes in his personal battle with Yamal.

The Style That Shuts Him Down

Mendes’ strength lies in his unique blend of speed, physicality, and tactical awareness. Against a winger who thrives on unpredictability and one-on-one duels, the Portuguese star closes spaces, keeps him contained, and forces him out of rhythm. To make matters worse for Yamal, Mendes constantly pushes forward, forcing the youngster to defend rather than attack.

A New Rivalry for Europe

The clash between Yamal and Mendes is fast becoming a must-watch duel on the European stage. For PSG, Mendes provides both defensive solidity and attacking thrust. For Barcelona, Yamal faces a major test: breaking free from the one defender who has consistently managed to silence him.

In a football world where attackers usually dominate the spotlight, Nuno Mendes has written his own story. Twice he’s faced the brightest young star in the game—and twice he’s been the MVP.