Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t—or simply didn’t want to—hold back his tears as Portugal defeated Spain by a score of 5-4 in a frenetic penalty shoot-out in the 2025 UEFA Nations League Final. Although the 40-year-old striker didn’t take part in the decisive round, having been subbed off near the end of regulation time, he was one of the most emotional players during the celebrations.
Ronaldo has done it again. The Portuguese legend has now hoisted his third international trophy with his homeland’s national team—and his second UEFA Nations League championship.
Cristiano had scored the game-tying goal to bring Portugal level at two goals apiece, but was later forced to leave the pitch at Allianz Arena due to an apparent leg injury. From the bench, he clung to the match’s every twist and turn, visibly emotional as he cheered on his teammates. Once the match was over, Ronaldo bursted into tears as he entered the pitch to celebrate alongside his teammates.
An ending fit for a king
The scene evoked strong memories of Portugal’s triumph at the 2016 UEFA Euro, when Ronaldo, injured early in the final against France, turned into a passionate sideline leader during the 1-0 win. Once again, fate placed him in a familiar role— the turn of events forced him off the field but he remained fully in the fight in spirit.
Portugal reigns supreme
Every penalty taker had been clinical for both Spain and Portugal—up until the fourth round, when Alvaro Morata stepped up to the penalty spot, only to find an unbreachable wall in Diogo Costa.
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The Portuguese keeper left the trophy on a silver platter for Portugal’s fifth penalty taker. The spot, usually reserved for Cristiano, was taken by Ruben Neves, who made no mistake and triggered the emotional reaction from Ronaldo, who, at 40 years old, added yet another trophy to his stacked cabinet.
