Joel Colville's 'unbelievable' against Ronaldo and Haaland

Joel Colville's 'unbelievable' against Ronaldo and Haaland

According to

Sports.

Background

Joel Colville, Cardiff City's 21-year-old midfielder, has recently earned a place in Wales' 28-man squad. His selection signals Wales' return to the top tier of the Nations League, where they will get the chance to play against the giants of world football.

Why it matters

Joel Colville's dream of playing against the likes of Ronaldo and Haaland is vital to Wales' Nations League campaign. This is not only an opportunity for his personal development but will also be a challenging encounter for Wales. Such matches provide experience to young players, which can impact their future prospects.

Key points

• Joel Colville's 'unbelievable' against Ronaldo and Haaland.
• Joel Colville, Cardiff City's 21-year-old midfielder, is looking forward to playing against the likes of Ronaldo and Haaland in the next Nations League matches.
• Colwill's 'surreal' Ronaldo and Haaland ambition - Yahoo Sports.

If we go back 12 months, Joel Colville was then facing uncapped Icelandic midfielder Benoni Breki Andresen while playing in League Two as Cardiff City drew 1-1 against Stockport. But a year on, the 21-year-old Welsh youngster is now excited at the prospect of playing against Portuguese great Cristiano Ronaldo and Norway goal-machine Erling Haaland. Colville has been included in Craig Bellamy's 28-man squad for Wales' upcoming Nations League A campaign, which includes matches against Portugal, Norway and Denmark. Colville is unable to believe that he can face the football giants.

"If I get a chance to play against both of those players, it would be pretty incredible, especially against Ronaldo, who is one of the greatest players of all time," Colville said. He added, "I would be shocked if I was on the same pitch with him. It would be an incredible moment if that happens."

Wales have been re-promoted to the top tier of the Nations League and their first match will be against Portugal in Lisbon on 24 September. Ronaldo has been included in the first team selected by new Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus. Following the Seleção's last-16 defeat at the last World Cup, the 41-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star had said he would talk to his family before deciding whether he would continue playing for his country. His inclusion in the squad to play against Wales is a sign that Ronaldo is delaying a decision on international retirement like his great rival Lionel Messi.

As far as football's greatest player is concerned, Colville isn't sure. "It's a difficult question because Ronaldo is one of the best goalscorers of all time, but Messi is one of the best in terms of making plays," he said.

However, Colville's childhood hero was closer to home. After watching Steven Gerrard's games, he aimed to be like him. "My dad had the DVDs and I used to watch a lot of Liverpool games to see Gerrard's goals," Colville said.

Although he has not yet played at the level Gerrard did, Colville earned a place in Bellamy's squad in September 2025 and made his debut in a friendly against Canada. His second cap came six months later against Northern Ireland. "When I go to the [Wales] camp, I try to learn as much as I can from Craig and the top talent there," Colville said.

"There are some top players there, like Harry Wilson and David Brooks, most of whom play in the Premier League, which is every player's aspiration one day – which some people say is the best league in the world."

What will happen next

Wales' first Nations League match will be against Portugal in Lisbon on 24 September. Colville's team also has to face strong rivals like Norway and Denmark. During this campaign, the focus will be on Wales' performance and Colville's role.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the match between Wales and Portugal take place?

Wales' first match will be against Portugal on 24 September in Lisbon.

Joel Colville is a part of which team?

Joel Colville is included in Wales's 28-man squad.

Why does Joel Colville want to play against Ronaldo and Haaland?

Colville believes that it would be incredible to play against great players like Ronaldo and Haaland.

What is Wales' position in the Nations League?

Wales is promoted again to the top tier of the Nations League.

Will Ronaldo play against Wales?

Yes, Ronaldo has been included in the squad to play against Wales by the new Portuguese coach.

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