Football legend and Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo added a third international trophy to his cabinet as he led his side to the summit of the UEFA Nations League on Sunday at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Coming up against a Spain team that hadn’t lost a single away game in their last 10 outings in the competition, the inaugural Nations League winners showed incredible resilience to force the game to extra-time and ultimately seal the win on penalties.As Portugal claimed victory from spot kicks, Ronaldo took center stage for his emotional reaction. The 40-year-old, overcome with passion, let the tears flow as he dropped to his knees the moment Ruben Neves’ kick went in.Akin to his reaction in the 2016 UEFA Euro final against France, Ronaldo broke down in tears as he added another trophy to his long list of honours. The win meant that Portugal became the first team in the history of the Nations League to win the competition twice.Ronaldo’s involvement in the game was not limited to that, as he scored the all-important equalizer to pull his team back into the game, halfway through the second half. Ronaldo’s goal came in the 61st minute, when a deflected cross from goal scorer Nuno Mendes fell invitingly in front of the forward who had placed himself at the far post. Beating his marker with ease, the No 7’s volley found its way into the back of the net.
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Ronaldo was then taken off in the 88th minute owing to an injury and was replaced by PSG forward Goncalo Ramos. Ronaldo’s teary-eyed reaction to winning the final has gone viral on social media, with fans pouring in messages of support and congratulations for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s post on X after winning the UEFA Nations League over Spain (Image via X)
Up next, the Portuguese talisman will look to earn his side qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.