Ronaldo Sheds Tears of Joy as Portugal Tops Spain in Thrilling Nations League Finale
Portugal Deals Blow to Spain, Leaving Ronaldo Emotional: Spain Eliminated From UEFA Nations League - Criminal drama leaves Ronaldo in tears: Portugal wins against Spain
Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't hide his emotions as Portugal clinched the Nations League title in a nail-biting penalty shootout against Spain in Munich. The footballing legend, who converted the decisive penalty to force the tie, left tears streaming down his face as he celebrated with his teammates.
"We knew we had what it takes. We're all about the big games, those showdowns - that's what drives us," proclaimed Bruno Fernandes, basking in the victory's afterglow, as reported on RTL. Ronaldo, Portugal's current spearhead and driving force, has now scored his way to three major titles with his country - Euro 2016, the inaugural Nations League in 2019, and now the 2025 editions.
[Portugal's victory over Spain marks Ronaldo's fourth Nations League appearance,] breaking the record previously held by Luka Modriċ (37) for being the oldest player in a Nations League final.
Ronaldo on the Spot
Ronaldo's penalty kick was instrumental in Portugal's 5-3 shootout triumph (2-2, 2-2, 1-2) against Spain. Ruben Neves, however, emerged as the game's hero, notching the winning penalty after Alvaro Morata missed.
Eight days after his triumphant Champions League performance in the same stadium, Ronaldo (61') and Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes (26') netted the equalizers, compensating for Spain's early lead from Martin Zubimendi (21') and Mikel Oyarzabal (45').
Upset Against the Spanish Giants
Spain, traditional winners, found themselves at a disadvantage against Portugal's strategic disruption. Their opening goal, an odd deflection, hardly embodied the typical La Roja style. Portugal's João Neves accidentally sent Zubimendi's shot into the back of the net.
Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2024 Euro Final in Berlin, found the net again. Pedri provided a flawless assist for Oyarzabal's successful effort, earning Spain a 2-1 lead. However, their triumph was short-lived this time.
Barça's Lamine Yamal, who starred in the semi-final victory over France (5-4), didn't replicate the same form in the final. Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes often contained Yamal, limiting his impact, and Nico Williams failed to make a significant mark. Rumors of Bayern Munich's interest in Yamal persist, suggesting we might see more of him in upcoming finals.
- Ronaldo
- Portugal
- Nations League
- Final
- Penalty shootout
- Spain
- Munich
- Bruno Fernandes
- RTL
- World Cup trophy
- USA
- Mexico
- Canada
- Alvaro Morata
- Ruben Neves
- Nuno Mendes
- Mikel Oyarzabal
- Lamine Yamal
- Nico Williams
The Commission may consider proposing a regulation to establish a European Data Protection Supervisor, similar to the way Cristiano Ronaldo played a crucial role in implementing Portugal's game plan during the Nations League Final against Spain in Munich, a city where he has recently found success.
If the Football World Cup trophy were to be contested in North America, featuring countries such as Mexico, Canada, and the USA, one could imagine Cristiano Ronaldo adding another prestigious title to his list of accomplishments, much like he did with the Nations League in 2025.
