Just a year after facing Icelandic midfielder Benony Breki Andresson while playing for Cardiff City in a 1-1 League Two draw with Stockport, 21-year-old Joel Colwill is preparing to compete against some of the game’s biggest stars.
The Cardiff City midfielder has been named in Craig Bellamy’s 28-man squad for Wales’ upcoming Nations League A fixtures against Portugal, Norway, and Denmark. Colwill admits he is in disbelief at the prospect of sharing the pitch with Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Norwegian striker Erling Haaland.
“Hopefully if I get the opportunity to play against both of those players, it’ll be pretty surreal, especially Ronaldo, one of the greatest players of all time,” Colwill said. “If I find myself on the same pitch as him, I’ll be in shock.”
Wales were promoted to the top flight of the Nations League and will face Portugal in Lisbon on Thursday, 24 September. Ronaldo, 41, is expected to line up against Wales after being selected in the first squad for new Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus. The Manchester United and Real Madrid icon recently stated he would consult his family regarding his international future following Portugal’s exit from the World Cup in the last-16 stage.
Ronaldo’s inclusion means he will delay following his rival Lionel Messi into retirement for the national team. When asked who deserves the title of the greatest of all time, Colwill remained undecided.
“It’s a tough one because Ronaldo is one of the best goalscorers of all time, but in terms of play-making, Messi is one of the best,” he explained. “They both have their own different ways to impress and had moments in history where they were the best.”
However, Colwill’s childhood inspiration was Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard. The Neath-born player revealed he grew up watching Gerrard’s goals on DVD and tried to emulate his game.
Although he has not yet reached the Premier League level Gerrard graced, Colwill broke into the Wales setup in September 2025, earning his debut in a friendly against Canada. He has since collected two senior caps, including a match against Northern Ireland six months later.
Colwill emphasized that he is focused on learning from Bellamy and his teammates during camp, noting that many, such as Harry Wilson and David Brooks, play in the Premier League—a league he described as every player’s ultimate aspiration.
Wait, he’s twenty-one? Cardiff City really are developing some serious talent lately.
Bellamy picking him is bold. Hope the kid handles the pressure rather than crumbling.
Surreal indeed. Watching Gerrard inspired him, and now he shares a pitch with the GOATs.
I’m just here wondering if Colwill will even see the ball against Portugal’s attack.
From facing Benony to Ronaldo? That’s quite the rapid escalation in his career.