Portugal's triumph over Spain in a crime-induced tears from Ronaldo - On-field drama as Portugal outscores Spain, leading to tears from Ronaldo
Step aside, La Roja, here comes the Siege
Cristiano Ronaldo, the living legend, broke down in tears after Portugal claimed victory over Spain in the 2025 Nations League Final. The 40-year-old football titan, leading his squad in Munich, celebrated their win like a Champions League triumph.
"We knew we were a beast of a team," Bruno Fernandes shouted out post-match on RTL. "Every footballer's dream? These finals, these moments. That's what pushes us."
Ronaldo's status as the final scorer, a loyal fan from the sidelines, and the figurehead behind Portugal's three trophies—the 2016 Euros, the 2019 Nations League, and now this memorable final—is undeniable.
The Unforgettable Battle of the Legends
The epic battle against Spain, including the young prodigy Lamine Yamal, saw Ronaldo seize victory. Aged 40, he bested the Croatian Luka Modrić, who at 37 was the oldest player in a Nations League final thus far. Ronaldo embodied leadership, scoring, driving the action, and setting the stage for exceptional class in his 221st international appearance.
As the game clock wound down, Ronaldo was forced to sit out. The superstar lay on the ground, needing medical attention before being replaced. He embraced coach Roberto Martínez passionately on the bench and continued to cheer from the sidelines as extra time commenced. Yet, victory belonged to him again.
Thrilling Showdown Leads to a Penalty Shootout
Just like the 2023 semifinal win against Germany, the match with Spain concluded in Munich with Ronaldo emerging victorious. In a 5-3 penalty shootout win (2-2, 2-2, 1-2), Portugal outlasted Spain. In the clutch moments from the spot, Ronaldo, substituted earlier, bore the agony he'd felt at the 2016 Euros on the sidelines. It was Ruben Neves who became the ultimate hero, scoring the decisive penalty after Alvaro Morata missed.
Eight days after his Champions League triumph in the same stadium, Ronaldo and Nuno Mendes took the field, leveling the first deficit against the Spanish. Goals from Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead, but it was not enough.
Yamal Falls Short
Barcelona starlet Yamal failed to replicate his gala form in the new UEFA tournament, despite a standout semi-final against France (5-4). Mendes effectively neutralized Yamal's impact, with his wing partner Nico Williams contributing little to the match. Will the future hold more finals for the 22-year-old professional, with Bayern Munich allegedly courting him?
A Less Than Glorious Goal for Spain
La Roja struggled against the cunning Portuguese, with their leading goal coming from an uncharacteristic fluke. A clearance attempt by João Neves inadvertently led to Zubimendi claiming the opening goal for Portugal. Oyarzabal scored again, ensuring Spain took the lead, but their luck ran out at the final hurdle.
As the USA, Mexico, and Canada gear up to host the 2026 World Cup, the opportunity to witness heroes like Ronaldo in action awaits. Let's hope the superstar graces the stage one last time in what could be his swansong international tournament!
In the midst of sporting triumphs, another regulatory victory unfolds
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the establishment of a European Data Protection Supervisor. Just as Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to victory in the 2025 Nations League Final, this move indicates the European Union's determination to safeguard data privacy across European leagues, including football and the Champions League.
