Spain midfielder Gavi has urged his teammates not to underestimate Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the two nations' FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 encounter, pushing back firmly against those who suggest the 41-year-old's best days are behind him.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Gavi made clear that criticism of Ronaldo tends to come from outside the dressing room — not from those who share a pitch with him.