Cristiano Ronaldo Hints 'Short' Future after Winning UEFA Nations League with Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has won his second UEFA Nations League with the Portuguese national team after defeating Spain on penalties. The final score was 2-2 after extra time, and Portugal won 5-3 on penalties.
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Ronaldo played 88 minutes of regular time, but he had to be subbed off before the 90th-minute mark. He felt pain and couldn't continue despite pressing at times, and even scoring Portugal's second goal of the game.
Ronaldo and Portugal are enjoying the country's second-ever UEFA Nations League and its third international trophy, but there are concerns about the injury Ronaldo suffered.
Ronaldo's words after the game have led some fans to believe that he knows his professional career is nearly over.
Ronaldo after UEFA Nations League Win
The injury is yet to be known, but Ronaldo mentions that he was willing to sacrifice getting injured in order to help the team win. It turned out great for them as he scored the equalizer.
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Ronaldo mentions that the injury has gotten worse and is focused on the current rather than the future.
Cristiano Ronaldo: "The future? I'm thinking short-term. There was an injury, and it got worse and worse. I forced myself, because for the sake of the national team, you have to force yourself."
Ronaldo was able to walk after the game and during the celebrations. It all seems fine, but Ronaldo mentioned that the pain he felt was there even before the game started.
Cristiano Ronaldo: "I was feeling pain during the warm-up, and it had been ongoing for a while. But for the national team, if I had to break my leg, I would have. This is a title, and I had to play and give my all, I went to my absolute limit and contributed with a goal."
At 40 years old, many wonder whether he can be fit enough to continue playing for the national team. His passionate words suggest he will push to continue.
Cristiano Ronaldo: "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."
Ronaldo's impact on Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo's impact on the Portugal national team is unquestioned as he helped the country win its third-ever international trophy. Ronaldo has been a part of all three wins, which started in 2016.
Portugal has won the 2016 EUROS, the 2019 UEFA Nations League, and now the 2025 UEFA Nations League. Portugal is the only nation to win two Nations Leagues in Europe.
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With this win, Portugal fans are hopeful that glory can be achieved next year in the FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo is expected to continue his career, as many reports suggest he wishes to play in the summer tournament next year.
How Portugal defeated Spain
Lamine Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo met on the pitch for the first time, but they were not the best players for their teams. Spain led before halftime with goals from Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal. For Portugal, Nuno Mendes scored in the 26th minute for the equalizer.
In the second half, Ronaldo scored another equalizer for Portugal. In the 61st minute, Ronaldo pushes the ball into the net after a great play from Mendes.
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Ronaldo was subbed off the game due to an injury just before the 90th minute. Extra time was needed, but the two sides couldn't score a third.
A penalty shootout was needed, where almost every penalty taker was perfect until Alvaro Morata's shot was saved by Diogo Costa. Ruben Neves scored the winning penalty for Portugal to win its second-ever UEFA Nations League.
Related: Cristiano Ronaldo Responds to Idea of Playing Alongside Lionel Messi
Related: At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks More Records as Portugal Topple Germany
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
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