Cristiano Ronaldo was overcome with emotion collapsing to his knees in tears after Portugal clinched their second UEFA Nations League title with a 5-3 penalty shootout win over Spain on Sunday at Allianz Arena. The 40-year-old football icon who scored a crucial equalizer during the 2-2 draw sparked wild celebrations among fans and players alike. Here’s the full story on Ronaldo’s heartfelt moment and excitement of Portugal’s triumph.
Ronaldo’s Emotional Triumph
The Nations League final was a rollercoaster with Spain taking the lead through Martin Zubimendi’s header in the 21st minute. Portugal’s Nuno Mendes equalized five minutes later assisted by Ronaldo’s clever play. Spain struck again before halftime with Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal but Ronaldo leveled the score at 2-2 in the 61st minute tapping in a deflected cross from Mendes for his 138th international goal. Despite battling a leg injury that forced him off in the 88th minute Ronaldo watched anxiously from the sidelines as Portugal’s Diogo Costa saved Alvaro Morata’s penalty and Ruben Neves sealed the 5-3 shootout victory.
Ronaldo’s tears flowed as he celebrated his third international trophy alongside the 2016 Euros and 2019 Nations League. “I have many titles with clubs but nothing is better than winning for Portugal” he told Sport TV his voice cracking. “These are tears of joy for this generation and our families.” Fans flooded social media with praise one writing “Ronaldo’s passion at 40 is unreal he lives for Portugal.” Others noted the poetic echo of his 2016 Euros final where he also cheered from the bench after an injury.
A Career Milestone Amid Retirement Talk
Ronaldo’s performance silenced critics who questioned his role after Portugal’s Euro 2024 exit. His goal against Spain marked his 937th career strike extending his record as football’s all-time top scorer. The victory also ended his 25-year winless streak against Germany in the semifinals where he scored the decisive 2-1 goal. Despite hinting at retirement with his Al-Nassr contract expiring this month Ronaldo vowed to play on “unless a fatal injury stops me” eyeing the 2026 World Cup at age 41.
Social media buzzed with clips of Ronaldo hiding his face in a teammate’s back during the shootout too nervous to watch Neves’ winning kick. One fan posted “CR7 crying like a kid shows how much Portugal means to him.” The win cements coach Roberto Martinez’s faith in Ronaldo who praised the team’s “clinical” penalty takers and young stars like Nuno Mendes for outshining Spain’s Lamine Yamal.
This victory Portugal’s second Nations League title after 2019 strengthens their momentum heading into the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Ronaldo’s emotional display and comments about his career’s “finish line” have fans wondering how long he’ll play with speculation about a move from Al-Nassr swirling. Martinez’s job appears safe for now backed by Ronaldo’s leadership and the team’s depth. The win also highlights Portugal’s new generation with players like Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição stepping up.