Portugal faced off against Spain in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final and emerged victorious in a dramatic penalty shootout, securing yet another international title for Cristiano Ronaldo. The win added to Portugal’s growing trophy case and further cemented Ronaldo’s legendary status. But while the world celebrated Portugal’s latest triumph, one familiar voice from South America, Chile star Arturo Vidal couldn’t help but join the conversation.
Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal, never one to shy away from controversy, posted a subtle yet pointed reminder of the past. In the wake of Portugal’s title win, Vidal took to Instagram to resurface a moment when things didn’t go quite so well for Ronaldo’s squad.
In his Instagram Story, Vidal reposted a photo from the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup that showed him celebrating after Chile’s dramatic penalty shootout win over Portugal. The image featured Cristiano Ronaldo in the background and was accompanied by the caption: “Few could beat them on penalties…” The reference was crystal clear—and unmistakably cheeky.
Though it’s unlikely Ronaldo ever sees the post, this is hardly the first time Vidal has used social media to drop fiery, thinly veiled messages. Still, the timing was deliberate. While Portugal celebrated a new title, Vidal reminded fans of a Chilean victory that’s mostly faded from the spotlight.
Instagram stories of Arturo Vidal
Chile vs Portugal clash at the 2017 Confederations Cup
The semifinal soccer clash between Chile and Portugal in the 2017 Confederations Cup remains one of the most intense matches of that tournament. Held in Kazan, Russia, the game ended 0–0 after extra time and was decided by penalties. The stakes were high, and the quality of play reflected it, with both teams featuring elite talent on both ends of the pitch.
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Chile nearly sealed it late in extra time when Arturo Vidal struck the post and Martín Rodríguez followed up with a shot that rattled the crossbar. Portugal, despite fielding Ronaldo up front, failed to create consistent scoring threats. Their midfield was stifled, and Ronaldo found himself stranded for much of the match.
When it came to penalties, Chile delivered a masterclass. Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo saved all three of Portugal’s attempts—from Quaresma, Moutinho, and Nani—while Vidal, Aránguiz, and Alexis Sánchez converted with clinical precision. The 3–0 shootout result sent Chile to the final and capped one of their golden generation’s signature performances.
That win was historic not just for the result, but for what it represented. It was Chile’s third straight major final following their Copa América titles in 2015 and 2016. And while Portugal have since moved on to new glories—including this 2025 Nations League crown—Vidal’s post served as a reminder that the past still matters, especially when it’s personal.
