'It wasn't like I imagined' - Cristiano Ronaldo encounter left young Germany forward Nick Woltemade underwhelmed despite Portugal icon scoring winning goal in Nations League clash

Woltemade made his international debut for Germany in last week's Nations League semi-final against Portugal, featuring CR7. The Stuttgart striker started the game alongside Ronaldo, who scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory for Portugal.

Woltemade has since joined up with Germany's Under 21 team for the U21 European Championship and was asked what it was like coming up against the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"Of course, I've been asked that question a lot, including by the guys here [at the U21s]," Woltemade told reporters. "It's like so often in life: you imagine things to be cool and exciting in your mind – but when you're actually there and it becomes real, it's just a normal moment. And that's kind of how it was."

"I thought it would affect me a bit more. It was Ronaldo, of course, you know him. But it wasn't like I imagined, that I would be amazed. I was happy to see him and the other opponents, to measure myself against them... The idea was probably a bit nicer and bigger than it actually was in real life."

A few days after his debut in the senior national team, Woltemade was in the starting line-up for national coach Julian Nagelsmann in the 2-0 defeat to France in the third-place play-off. Ronaldo also scored in the final against Spain, saving Portugal with his goal to make it 2-2 and send the game into extra time. In the penalty shoot-out, the Portuguese, who had to substitute CR7 shortly before the end of regular time, prevailed and secured the Nations League title.

Woltemade has had a strong season for Stuttgart. In 33 appearances, he scored 17 goals and provided three assists, and also won the DFB-Pokal.

Woltemade travelled straight from the senior national team to the U21s, who kick off their European Championship campaign in Slovakia on Thursday. Woltemade and his team-mates will first face Slovenia, with the Czech Republic and England also in their group.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo is expected to extend his contract with Al-Nassr, which expires at the end of June, and remain in Saudi Arabia. The 40-year-old wants to play for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.