On Sunday, Portugal clinched their second UEFA Nations League title after defeating Spain 5-3 in a penalty shootout. Cristiano Ronaldo was instrumental to his team’s success, scoring the equalizer at the 61st minute. However, the 40-year-old superstar couldn’t finish the match due to an injury. He later confessed that he had felt the pain before the game.
“I felt the injury since the warm-up; it’s been bothering me for a while. But for Portugal, if I had to break my leg, I would do it,” the Portuguese captain told the press, according to Fabrizio Romano. “It’s a title, I had to play and give everything.”
Ronaldo’s effort paid off. Despite Nuno Mendes’ equalizer in the first half following Martin Zubimendi‘s opener, Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s advantage. However, Ronaldo leveled the score again by capitalizing on a loose ball in the box.
Unfortunately, just 20 minutes later, he had to leave the pitch after requesting medical assistance due to what appeared to be a muscle strain. Sunday’s final was reminiscent of the 2016 Euros final, where Ronaldo was also unable to complete the match due to an injury. In that instance, he left on a stretcher at the 25th minute because of a knee injury, but Portugal also won after defeating France 1-0.
Cristiano Ronaldo gets injured during the 2025 UEFA Nations League final ( Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
With this triumph, Ronaldo now boasts 36 team titles in his career, including three for Portugal (two UEFA Nations League and 2016 Euros). Additionally, he adds another goal to his impressive year, having already scored 22 goals for club and country combined.
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Ronaldo also revealed he is thinking short-term about his future.
After the match, an emotional Ronaldo didn’t just open up about his injury. He also indicated that he is focusing on the near future, while confirming his intent to continue playing with Al Nassr.
“The future? I’m thinking short-term. There was an injury, and it got worse and worse. I forced myself because for the sake of the national team, you have to push yourself,” he told reporters, via Athlon Sports.
“You know how old I am already; obviously I’m closer to the end than to the beginning, but I have to enjoy every moment. If I don’t get seriously injured, I’ll keep going,” he added. However, if his fighting spirit persists, he certainly won’t be quitting anytime soon.
