logo
'I'm No. 1': Ronaldo celebrates boldly as he points to himself after scoring the equaliser in Nations League final

'I'm No. 1': Ronaldo celebrates boldly as he points to himself after scoring the equaliser in Nations League final

First Posta day ago

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a 61st-minute equaliser and celebrated with a bold gesture as Portugal beat Spain 5-3 on penalties to win the 2025 UEFA Nations League in Munich. The 40-year-old also talked about his future after the historic win. read more
Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved why he is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. In a thrilling in Munich on Sunday, the 40-year-old legend scored a crucial goal to help Portugal lift their second Nations League title.
Ronaldo's moment came in the 61st minute, when Portugal were trailing 2-1. A deflected cross from Nuno Mendes went up in the air inside the box and Ronaldo quickly adjusted his position and smashed the ball into the net with a powerful kick. The goal helped Portugal level the score to 2-2.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Ronaldo celebrates in style
Ronaldo's celebration after goal caught everyone's attention. Ronaldo ran straight to the net, grabbed the ball, and started running while pointing to himself and flashing the No. 1 sign with his fingers. The moment captured Spain youngster Lamine Yamal in the background.
More from Football
Ronaldo was substituted with a cramp toward the end of the match. The game went into extra time and then penalties. Both teams scored their first three kicks in the shootout. Mendes slotted in Portugal's fourth, and then Spain captain Alvaro Morata missed his shot, hitting it straight at goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Ruben Neves then calmly stepped up and scored the winning penalty, sealing a 5-3 shootout victory for Portugal. This was Portugal's first victory over Spain in 19 years and second overall. Their last win came way back in 2004.
Ronaldo on his future
Meanwhile, Ronaldo may have played his last game for Portugal. After the match, Ronaldo said that he won't be able to play forever but will continue until he is fit.
'I had already felt it during the warmup, I had been feeling it for some time, but for the national team, if I had to break my leg, I would have broken it. It's for a trophy, I had to play and I gave it my all,' Ronaldo said.
'You know how old I am already. Obviously, I'm closer to the end than I was at the beginning, but I have to enjoy every moment. If I don't get seriously injured, I'll keep going,' he said.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Tuchel Explains Why Harry Kane May Not Play Until 40 Like Cristiano Ronaldo
Tuchel Explains Why Harry Kane May Not Play Until 40 Like Cristiano Ronaldo

News18

time2 hours ago

  • News18

Tuchel Explains Why Harry Kane May Not Play Until 40 Like Cristiano Ronaldo

Last Updated: The England captain continues to be in great form but coach Tuchel has doubts whether he can maintain his fitness standards like Cristiano Ronaldo. Head coach Thomas Tuchel sent a warning to Harry Kane after the England captain expressed his desire to prolong his playing career as long as possible. Kane, who will turn 32 in July, has his eyes set on the 2026 FIFA World Cup but is also looking to stretch his stint much beyond the quadrennial event. While the Bayern Munich striker is trying to follow in the footsteps of Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo, Tuchel reckons it would be difficult for him to keep his form and fitness at similar levels. Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, continues to maintain remarkable fitness standards. The 40-year-old is still bagging Golden Boots at the club level apart from major international honours. Ronaldo won the UEFA Nations League with the Portuguese side and is also planning an extension to his Saudi Pro League contract with Al-Nassr, for which he top-scored this season. 'I think it gets more and more difficult in today's game. Cristiano took a step into a league which is not as competitive as the Premier League or Spain, where he played before, as part of keeping his performance up. I think he is always the exception to the rule, we cannot go now from Cristiano Ronaldo and think everyone can play until 39 and 40 in today's game," Tuchel told reporters. 'It will be very demanding, professionalism is a given in today's game, otherwise you have no chance and Harry has this natural ability to score goals." Tuchel's remarks came even as Kane showed no signs of slowing down immediately. The English skipper scored the 450th goal of his professional career to help his team beat 173rd-ranked Andorra 1-0 in the 2027 World Cup qualifying game last Saturday, June 7. 'He scored his 450th goal in the Andorra match, it was a very decisive goal, a very important one and there are at the moment no signs he cannot do it at a high level. How long he can do it, I have not a crystal ball, let's see. He is in a club where they play dominant football, I think that can suit him," said Tuchel. 'Just the outlook until the World Cup, he knows that it is a crucial year for him, also in terms of fitness and being ready to compete in the World Cup in the heat, in the humidity." First Published:

'Deep Respect': Cristiano Ronaldo's Heartfelt Message For Lionel Messi
'Deep Respect': Cristiano Ronaldo's Heartfelt Message For Lionel Messi

News18

time3 hours ago

  • News18

'Deep Respect': Cristiano Ronaldo's Heartfelt Message For Lionel Messi

Last Updated: The Portuguese great expressed admiration for Argentina's finest ahead of the UEFA Nations League final clash against Spain. Portugal legend Cristiano Ronald paid 'deep respect" to his iconic Argentina rival Lionel Messi. Ronaldo expressed his admiration for Messi ahead of the UEFA Nations League final against Spain. Portugal won the summit clash 5-3 on penalties on Sunday, June 8. Hours before the five-time Ballon d'Or winner helped Portugal win their third international title, he delivered a message for the Argentina great that touched the hearts of football fans all over the globe. Offering a glimpse into the camaraderie that exists between the two biggest names in football history, Ronaldo shifted the spotlight from himself during a press conference held following an emotional final victory for Portugal and addressed Messi. The 40-year-old said his regard for Argentina's finest goes beyond the field. 'I've always respected Messi, not just as a rival but as a person. He's done incredible things for football," Ronaldo said, before taking a humorous turn in his tribute by jovially trying his hand at an Argentine accent to further speak on Messi. The attempt drew a laugh from the reporters and fans. 'I'd love to visit Argentina one day. Not just because Georgina [Rodríguez] is from there, but because I have deep respect for Messi and his country." Speculations have been rife over Ronaldo's playing future. In the twilight of his illustrious career, the legendary Portuguese striker will continue to play in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, according to Fabrizio Romano. Ronaldo was left overwhelmed and shed tears after Portugal lifted the UEFA Nations League title. The ace forward struck the equalizer for his side, taking the game into extra time and then the penalties. In a grounded perspective, Ronaldo said, 'Don't put too much pressure on these young talents. Let them develop their skills naturally." First Published:

AS Roma manager Claudio Ranieri rejects Italy head coach job for Seire A stay
AS Roma manager Claudio Ranieri rejects Italy head coach job for Seire A stay

India Today

time4 hours ago

  • India Today

AS Roma manager Claudio Ranieri rejects Italy head coach job for Seire A stay

AS Roma's interim manager, Claudio Ranieri, has decided to reject an offer to take charge of the Italian national team, opting instead to continue his association with the Serie A club in an advisory role. The 73-year-old, who guided Roma through the latter part of the 2023-24 season, was the top candidate to replace Luciano Spalletti after the latter's dismissal but has chosen to remain loyal to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had identified Ranieri as the ideal successor to Spalletti, who was sacked following Italy's disappointing performances, including a recent loss to Norway. The FIGC even proposed a unique dual role, allowing Ranieri to manage the national team while staying at Roma, along with the prospect of becoming Italy's technical director in the future. However, after discussions with Roma owner Dan Friedkin, Ranieri declined the offer, prioritizing his commitment to the club.'I thank President Gravina for the opportunity, a great honour, but I reflected and decided to remain at Roma's disposal in my new role in a total way. The Friedkins have given me their full support and backing for any decision I have made regarding the national team, but the decision is mine alone," Ranieri told ANSAadvertisement With Ranieri out of contention, the FIGC has now shifted focus to former AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli as their next preferred tenure as Italy boss came to an abrupt end after just nine months in charge. Despite a promising 3-1 victory over France in the Nations League, inconsistent results—including a quarterfinal collapse against Germany—sealed his fate. The FIGC, desperate to avoid missing a third consecutive World Cup, acted swiftly to remove who previously managed Roma in 2009-11, returned as an interim coach this season and has now transitioned into an advisory position. His decision to stay highlights his strong connection with the club, leaving the FIGC to explore other options ahead of crucial Euro 2028 qualifiers.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store