Cristiano Ronaldo broke down in tears as Portugal lifted their second UEFA Nations League title after a thrilling 2-2 draw and 5-3 penalty win over Spain.
Though substituted before the shootout, Ronaldo’s earlier goal and emotional presence fueled Portugal’s triumph and capped another iconic moment in his storied career.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary career hit another emotional peak on Sunday night as Portugal claimed their second UEFA Nations League title with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Spain. After a 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time, the Seleção triumphed 5-3 in the shootout, ending a 21-year winless streak against their Iberian rivals in major tournaments.
The final, played in Munich, delivered a spectacle worthy of the occasion. Spain struck first through Martin Zubimendi in the 21st minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. But Portugal hit back almost immediately, with Nuno Mendes drilling a low shot past Unai Simon just five minutes later.
Before halftime, Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead, calmly slotting home from inside the box. However, Portugal was determined not to leave empty-handed. In the 61st minute, Ronaldo produced a moment of brilliance, pouncing on a deflected cross, shrugging off Marc Cucurella, and smashing home the equalizer to make it 2-2.
That strike not only sparked hope for Portugal but also underscored Ronaldo’s continued relevance on the international stage at age 40.
As the match wore on into extra time, fatigue set in and chances dwindled. Ronaldo was eventually substituted before the shootout, visibly emotional as he watched the final moments unfold from the sidelines.
In the shootout, Portugal’s takers, Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes kept their cool. The defining moment came when Spain’s Alvaro Morata stepped up and saw his penalty saved by Diogo Costa. Moments later, Ruben Neves buried Portugal’s fifth penalty, triggering wild celebrations among fans and players alike.
Ronaldo, overwhelmed by emotion, fell to the ground in tears as his teammates swarmed him. It was a powerful image, a football icon not just witnessing victory but deeply connected to it, even from the bench.
This triumph marks Portugal’s second UEFA Nations League title, the first having come in 2019. It also breaks a long-standing jinx against Spain in competitive encounters, reaffirming Portugal’s status among Europe’s footballing elite.
For Spain, the defeat was a tough pill to swallow. Having won the previous edition in 2023, they had hoped to establish dominance in the competition. Instead, they leave with memories of what could have been.
Ronaldo’s legacy continues to grow. Beyond his goal and leadership on the night, the forward made headlines earlier for dismissing Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal’s Ballon d’Or chances. According to him, players from Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are more deserving, and he emphasized that individual awards have lost meaning in today’s game.
But on this historic night in Munich, the team’s triumph was all that mattered. Portugal’s victory was a testament to resilience, unity, and the unwavering belief of a nation, led, once again, by their evergreen talisman.
