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