UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo lifts the 2025 UEFA Nations League trophy with Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo has lifted his third international trophy with Portugal, wearing the captain's armband as his team beat Spain in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal lifts the UEFA Nations League trophy after his team's victory in the UEFA Nations League 2025 final match between Portugal and Spain at Munich Football Arena on June 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany.
© Alexander Hassenstein/Getty ImagesCristiano Ronaldo of Portugal lifts the UEFA Nations League trophy after his team's victory in the UEFA Nations League 2025 final match between Portugal and Spain at Munich Football Arena on June 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany.

Cristiano Ronaldo has lifted another international title. Just like in 2016 and 2019, the Madeira native has led his beloved Portugal to glory, this time at the age of 40 and in the 2025 UEFA Nations League. Watch here the moment he got his hands on the prize:

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Ronaldo burst into tears as soon as Portugal beat Spain in the penalty shootout, in what has been an extremely dramatic final in Munich. His side was trailing twice, but ended up gaining the upper hand from the spot.

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Zubimendi put Spain in front early in the first half, though Portugal hit back quicly thanks to Nuno Mendes, rewarded by UEFA as MVP of the game after controlling Lamine Yamal throughout the night.

It didn’t take long for Spain to regain control, with Mikel Oyarzabal finding the net after Ronaldo celebrated Mendes’ equalizer in his face. However, the Spaniard wouldn’t get the last laugh at the Allianz Arena.

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A happy ending for Ronaldo, Portugal in Munich

In the second half, Ronaldo pounced to make things level again against Spain. It was his first goal in an international final, having failed to found the net in the Euro 2016 and Nations League 2019 finals.

Lamine Yamal, Spain lose to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in 2025 UEFA Nations League final: Best memes and reactions

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Then, a muscle injury set off the alarms in Portugal. Ronaldo had to be subbed off before the end of regulation, forcing him to watch the remainder of the game from the bench. But just like the Euro 2016 decider, the 2025 Nations League final had a happy ending in store for CR7.

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Portugal emerged triumphant on penalties, with Alvaro Morata’s missed shot proving the difference in Munich. Absolute scenes followed as Ruben Neves scored the game-winning penalty, allowing Ronaldo to lift a trophy with Portugal for the third time in his storied career.

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