Latest news with #Cristiano
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Social media hails Cristiano Ronaldo after UEFA Nation's League win: ‘Longevity is insane'
Popular footballer Cristiano Ronaldo once again became the center of global admiration on Sunday night, as social media erupted in praise following Portugal's victory over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final. Fans and football followers flooded platforms with messages hailing the 40-year-old's longevity, leadership, and unmatched passion for the game, as Portugal secured the title after a dramatic 5-3 win in the penalty shootout. The match, held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, saw Cristiano score the all-important equaliser in the 61st minute, extending his international tally to a record-breaking 138 goals. That strike not only kept Portugal in the game but also further cemented his position as the highest goal-scorer in international football history—well ahead of his counterpart Lionel Messi. Social media users lauded Cristiano's determination, especially after he revealed post-match that he had been carrying an injury. Despite discomfort, he chose to play, saying that he would have 'broken his leg' for the national team if needed. "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," he said after the match. The sentiment struck a deep chord with fans, many of whom shared clips of the moment he broke down in tears after the final penalty secured Portugal the win. The emotional scenes of Ronaldo on his knees, crying with joy after being substituted in the 88th minute, dominated online conversations. Viewers were quick to point out how the Portuguese team dedicated the win to their long-time captain, acknowledging his decades of service and unwavering commitment to the national side. While much of the pre-match focus had been on the clash between experience and youth —CR7 vs. Spain's Lamine Yamal— it was the veteran who stood tall when it mattered most. Social media posts widely noted that Yamal struggled to leave a mark on the final, while Ronaldo's goal and leadership proved decisive. As Portugal lifted their second UEFA Nations League trophy, fans across the world came together online to celebrate not just a win, but yet another iconic chapter in Cristiano Ronaldo's legendary career.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal to second UEFA Nations League title, beat Spain on penalties; become first side to win competition twice
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal have now won the UEFA Nations League twice (Image via X/@UEAFEuro & Cristiano) Portugal secured their second UEFA Nations League title by defeating Spain 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in Munich, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a crucial equalizer before being forced off with an injury and watching tearfully as his team made history as the first nation to win the trophy twice. The match began with intense attacking from both sides. João Neves came close for Portugal in the opening minutes, while Spain's Pedri and Nico Williams also threatened early on. Spain took the lead in the 21st minute through Martin Zubimendi, who capitalized on Portugal's failure to clear Lamine Yamal's cross. Portugal equalized five minutes later when Nuno Mendes, who had been battling with Yamal throughout the match, beat Oscar Mingueza and scored his first international goal. Portugal became the first side to win the UEFA Nations League twice (Image via X) Spain regained the advantage just before halftime as Mikel Oyarzabal connected with Pedri's well-timed pass to make it 2-1. Portugal improved after the break with the additions of Rúben Neves and Nelson Semedo. Ronaldo leveled the score again after the hour mark, volleying in Mendes' deflected cross for his 938th career goal. Poll Do you think this was Cristiano Ronaldo's last international trophy? Yes, he won't reach a final again No, more to come! Despite Ronaldo's late injury exit, Portugal continued to press in extra time. Semedo missed an opportunity, while Rafael Leao's speed caused problems for Spain's defense. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This $7 Generic Cialis Is Actually Worth It Friday Plans Get Offer Undo Diogo Jota nearly won it with a late header. The penalty shootout that followed saw both teams convert their first three attempts. The breakthrough came when Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved Álvaro Morata's effort. Ruben Neves then stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, securing Portugal's victory and their second Nations League crown.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
🔥 Lamine and his IG Story ahead of the final against Portugal
🔥 Lamine and his IG Story ahead of the final against Portugal Lamine Yamal was born to play and win finals. The Barça and Spain star is a special footballer. At just 17 years old, he has already earned the recognition of the entire football world, and has left excellent performances in memory, such as the semi-finals against Inter, the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, or the semi-finals of the EURO and the Nations League against France. Today, against Portugal's Cristiano and in another final with Spain, Lamine wants to win a new title and knows that the spotlight will be on him. He knows it and today he has published a story to show, if anyone didn't know, that he is ready. Will he get away with it again? Advertisement This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. 📸 TOBIAS SCHWARZ - AFP or licensors
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
‘Hope Cristiano Ronaldo reaches 1000 goals but doesn't score in Nations League final,' says Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon
Spain goalkeeper is all in for the day Cristiano Ronaldo reaches a 1000 career goals, but isn't keen on watching one on Sunday night when his side goes up against Portugal in the UEFA Nations League 2025 final in Munich. The Iberian rivalry will be rekindled on a grand stage when the tournament's inaugural winners, Portugal, face defending champions Spain in the summit clash for the edition. Running riot on the back of their young band of superstars, including 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, Spain made the final after fending off France in a frenetic 5-4 thriller. Meanwhile, it was Ronaldo who once again wrote the headlines for Portugal as he steered a comeback victory for the Portuguese, six years after having shone in the first edition of the Nations League. Ronaldo's 68th-minute winner over Germany placed them in a third major final, with the 40-year-old's career goal tally making an overwhelming presence with every passing goal these days. 'He's an example of everyday life, of sacrificing many things for football. I don't see myself at Cristiano's level at 40. I hope he reaches 1000 goals … but I hope he doesn't score any this Sunday,' said Simon as Ronaldo sets up for his 10th meeting against Spain at the Allianz Arena. Ronaldo's career tally has swelled to 937 goals in his career, 137 of those being scored in a Portugal shirt. Interestingly, only three of those have troubled Spain in the past. CR7 bagged them all on a single evening in Sochi in the 2018 World Cup when his stellar hat-trick denied a Spanish victory. Speaking on the eve of the final, Ronaldo insisted that the match isn't about a showdown of two generations between him and Spain's Yamal. Interestingly, Portugal haven't beaten Spain in a competitive game in 21 years since Euro 2004 in a game where a then-17-year-old Ronaldo started. 'There are different generations, one is coming in, and another is exiting the stage. If you want to see me as another generation, then that's ok,' said Ronaldo. 'When you talk about a clash between Cristiano and someone else, that's not how it works. The media always try to hype things up, which is a normal thing, but it's one team versus another team.' 'You've been talking about Lamine a lot, and you're right to do so because he's very good,' Ronaldo told journalists, adding, 'but I'd like to talk about the team. 'They've got Nico Williams, great midfielders like Pedri, and their coach (Luis) de la Fuente is very good, very strong, very disciplined.'
Hans India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Let Lamine Yamal grow without pressure for the sake of football, says Cristiano
Munich: Ahead of Portugal's UEFA Nations League final against Spain on Sunday, Cristiano Ronaldo spoke on Lamine Yamal as the 17-year-old has taken the footballing world by storm since breaking through as a regular in FC Barcelona's squad in the past two years. The winger was a pivotal part of Barcelona's domestic treble this season and also helped Spain to win the 2024 European Championship. He also scored a brace in the 5-4 win over France in the semifinal of the Nations League. Ronaldo said the comparisons between the two are not needed, but the only way to help him is to leave him alone. 'It's always like this. Whenever there is a final, it is Cristiano against someone. You would have to compare Lamine with Vitinha, where there is less of an age difference, but they want to do it with Cristiano. It's always Cristiano against someone, but it's not like that. We play one team against another. What we want is to play a good game and win. 'The boy is doing things very, very well. The club and the national team helped him a lot. He is in a conducive environment. But I ask that you let the boy grow up for the sake of football. Let him grow calmly and take the pressure off him. You can help him by leaving him alone because he does not lack talent,' Ronaldo said in the pre-game conference. Although Yamal has already almost completed club football in terms of trophies, the long wait of Barca fans to win the UEFA Champions League (UCL) continued after Yamal's Barca were eliminated by Inter Milan in the semifinals. Ronaldo acknowledged that the Spaniard has a shot at winning the Ballon d'Or but believes winning the UCL is necessary for lifting the Golden Globe. 'In my opinion, the Ballon d'Or should be won by those who stand out and win the Champions League. But there is no consensus. I don't believe much in individual awards because I know what is being worked on behind the scenes, but the boy (Lamine) has a chance... They are a bit irrelevant because there is not a 100% consensus,' he added.
