Emotional Ronaldo rejoices in Portugal winning Nations League
Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo shed tears of joy as they won their second Nations League title on Sunday, insisting that winning trophies with his country beats all club honours.
Ronaldo's 138th international goal in the second half took the final to penalties after a 2-2 draw with Spain, with the substituted 40-year-old forward looking on from the sidelines as Portugal netted all five spot kicks to claim the title.
The triumph, which left the five-time Champions League winner in tears, was Ronaldo's third on the international stage, accompanying his 2016 European Championship and 2019 Nations League winners' medals.
'What a joy,' Ronaldo told Sport TV. 'First of all for this generation, which deserved a title of this magnitude, for our families. My children came here, my wife, my brother, my friends.
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The Herald
5 hours ago
- The Herald
Emotional Ronaldo rejoices in Portugal winning Nations League
Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo shed tears of joy as they won their second Nations League title on Sunday, insisting that winning trophies with his country beats all club honours. Ronaldo's 138th international goal in the second half took the final to penalties after a 2-2 draw with Spain, with the substituted 40-year-old forward looking on from the sidelines as Portugal netted all five spot kicks to claim the title. The triumph, which left the five-time Champions League winner in tears, was Ronaldo's third on the international stage, accompanying his 2016 European Championship and 2019 Nations League winners' medals. 'What a joy,' Ronaldo told Sport TV. 'First of all for this generation, which deserved a title of this magnitude, for our families. My children came here, my wife, my brother, my friends.
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- The Citizen
Nations League victors Portugal toast Ronaldo's ‘winner mentality'
'A captain with the type of experience he has is essential, to show the necessary values and personality,' said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal lifts the trophy after his side beat Spain to lift the Uefa Nations League title. Picture: Franz Kirchmayr / APA-PictureDesk via AFP Cristiano Ronaldo's coach and team-mates praised his leadership after Sunday's Nations League final win over Spain in Munich. Portugal twice fell behind, but twice came back, with Ronaldo scoring the second equaliser. Portugal were 'ready to win' 'A captain with the type of experience he has is essential, to show the necessary values and personality,' said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez. 'Spain was ahead on the scoreboard twice, but the captain has a lot of experience and we used his experience to show we are ready to win.' The 40-year-old forward was subbed off with what looked like cramp, but Portugal fought through extra time after the match finished 2-2 and then triumphed 5-3 on penalties. On the sidelines, Ronaldo could not watch the final penalty, burying his face in a teammate's back. Once Ruben Neves converted, the Portugal veteran fell to his knees and was embraced by players and staff. Ronaldo scored the winner in Portugal's semi-final victory over Germany and the crucial equaliser against Spain. Nuno Mendes, who scored Portugal's first, set up Ronaldo's goal and converted a penalty in the shootout, praised the veteran's impact. 'Winner mentality' 'He deserves everything. He helps us a lot on the pitch and off it,' Mendes said. 'He's got a winner mentality. He's a role model. We're happy we've got him.' Mendes, who won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain on the same ground eight days ago, was named man of the match by UEFA after the game. Ronaldo made his debut in the national team in 2003 and has gone on to score 138 goals while picking up 219 caps for his national side.
TimesLIVE
6 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Emotional Ronaldo rejoices in Portugal winning Nations League
Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo shed tears of joy as they won their second Nations League title on Sunday, insisting that winning trophies with his country beats all club honours. Ronaldo's 138th international goal in the second half took the final to penalties after a 2-2 draw with Spain, with the substituted 40-year-old forward looking on from the sidelines as Portugal netted all five spot kicks to claim the title. The triumph, which left the five-time Champions League winner in tears, was Ronaldo's third on the international stage, accompanying his 2016 European Championship and 2019 Nations League winners' medals. 'What a joy,' Ronaldo told Sport TV. 'First of all for this generation, which deserved a title of this magnitude, for our families. My children came here, my wife, my brother, my friends. 'Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. It's tears. It's duty done and a lot of joy. 'When you talk about Portugal it is always a special feeling. Being captain of this generation is a source of pride. Winning a title is always the pinnacle in a national team.' Ronaldo's future playing club football in Saudi Arabia remains uncertain. He said last week he did not plan to play at the Club World Cup in the US, which starts later this month, despite being courted by clubs taking part in the 32-team tournament. The Al-Nassr forward said he had several offers from other teams to play in the US, while his side's sporting director, Fernando Hierro said last month they were negotiating with Ronaldo over a contract extension but faced competition from clubs eager to sign the five-times Ballon d'Or winner. For now, however, he is only focused on celebrating his latest triumph, having played in the final with an injury. Portugal are the first team to win the #NationsLeague twice 🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo has the pleasure of lifting the trophy once again 🏆 — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 8, 2025 'It's beautiful,' he added. 'It's for our nation. We are a small people, but with a very big ambition. 'The future is short term. Now is the time to rest well. I had the injury and that was the maximum, the maximum. I pushed, because for the national team you have to push.' Portugal picked up their second Nations League title with the 5-3 on penalties victory. Alvaro Morata's miss proved costly for Spain as Ruben Neves struck the winning spot-kick to spark wild scenes of celebration. Spain's exhilarating 5-4 victory over France in Thursday's semifinal ensured Luis de la Fuente's side had continued an unbeaten run that stretched back to March 2023 coming into Sunday's showpiece final in Munich. They appeared on course for yet another trophy, on the back last year's European Championship triumph, as Martin Zubimendi tapped home his second international goal in the 21st minute. Cristiano Ronaldo scores and the stadium erupts 🔊 For the second time in the game, Portugal draw level. Nuno Mendes at the heart of the attack again 🇵🇹 📺 Stream #NationsLeague on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 8, 2025 The holders' lead did not last long, however, as flying Portugal full-back Nuno Mendes slotted home the equaliser after good work from Ronaldo in the build up. A sublime pass from midfielder Pedri helped Mikel Oyarzabal, who netted the winner against England in last year's European Championship final, restore Spain's lead before the break. The tussle between the Iberian neighbours was billed as a clash between old and new — 40-year-old and five-times Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo and Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. While Yamal, among the favourites to take home one of the most prestigious individual awards this year, struggled to make inroads, Ronaldo pounced on his chance, firing Portugal level from close range just past the hour mark. Ronaldo went off injured late on and neither side could find a winner in extra time, with the game going to a shoot-out and Portugal netting all five of their penalties to claim the trophy.
