Portugal and Germany clash today for the semifinals of the 2025 UEFA Nations League at Allianz Arena in Munich. Roberto Martinez’s men will be led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who is starting for his national team.
Ronaldo, 40, is coming from closing his season with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia without a major trophy. However, the striker has maintained great consistency in his effectiveness, scoring 19 goals for the club and providing one assist in 2025.
As he prepares to define his future, Ronaldo will now concentrate on his international duties. He has scored one goal for Portugal this year, contributing to his team’s 5-2 win over Denmark in the second leg of the quarter-finals. Additionally, he is the top scorer in the ongoing Nations League, having scored six times.
Ronaldo and Portugal are looking for a second UEFA Nations League trophy, as the team won the maiden tournament back in 2019. A victory would be a good signal for the Seleção, as they have struggled in their last participation in major tournaments.
Since winning the 2016 Euro, and without counting the Nations League in 2019, they haven’t made it to the semifinals in the four major tournaments since. The Portuguese reached the quarters in the 2022 World Cup.
Portugal’s lineup vs Germany for UEFA Nations League semifinals
While Ronaldo’s presence on the team reflects his longevity, the captain is accompanied by a group of young players considered to be among the best of their generation. For the important match against Germany, Roberto Martinez has an almost fully fit squad, except for the absence of Joao Cancelo.
Portugal’s starting eleven vs Germany: Diogo Costa; Joao Neves, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Nuno Mendes; Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva; Francisco Trincao, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto.