Portugal was crowned the 2025 Nations League champions yesterday at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. Commonly referred to as the Munich Football Arena during UEFA competitions, the stadium holds a capacity of 70,000 for international fixtures and 75,000 for domestic matches.
The Portuguese stood tall in the final as they claimed bragging rights against a tactical Spanish side in Bavaria. The game kicked off with intensity, as expected, with both teams displaying hunger and determination to walk away with the trophy. However, as is always the case in football, only one team could emerge victorious. After an entertaining and tightly contested match that ended in a 2-2 draw, the result would be decided by extra time and then penalties. Even after 30 minutes of extra time, neither team could break the deadlock, leaving the pressure of the Nations League title on the shoulders of the penalty takers.
In the build-up to this highly anticipated final, football fans had divided opinions about who would triumph. The media spotlight was intense, with many hoping the football gods would reward Cristiano Ronaldo with one last piece of silverware in what is likely his last chapter with the national team. On the other side, Spain’s supporters were confident that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal would once again deliver, just as he did during last year’s EUROs.
With talent packed on both sides, the stage was set for a thriller. Spain took an early lead through Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi in the 21st minute. But the advantage did not last long. Just five minutes later, Nuno Mendes responded with a powerful low shot after a clever pass from Pedro Neto. Right before halftime, Portugal’s defense was caught napping, and they were punished by another Real Sociedad player, Mikel Oyarzabal, who made it 2-1 to Spain. For the second match in a row, Portugal went into halftime trailing – just like they had in the semi-finals against hosts Germany.
Coming into the second half, coach Roberto Martínez made immediate tactical changes, replacing João Neves and Francisco Conceição with Nélson Semedo and Rúben Neves. Martínez seemed to have identified the pressure Spain was applying down the flank, with João Neves struggling against the pace and overlap of Nico Williams and Marc Cucurella. Portugal eventually settled into the game again, and their efforts paid off thanks to Nuno Mendes, who sent a dangerous cross into the box. A deflection from a Spanish defender saw the ball fall perfectly to Cristiano Ronaldo, who struck home Portugal’s equalizer in the 61st minute.
Ronaldo just refuses to stop rewriting history. With that goal, he became the oldest player to feature in a Nations League final and surpassed Romelu Lukaku as the all-time top scorer in the tournament’s history. The comparisons with Yamal had been overwhelming in the build-up, but Ronaldo came to the young player’s defense, asking fans and media to ease the pressure on the teenager. It was the first final where Yamal had no goal contributions – a testament to the Portuguese technical team, and especially Nuno Mendes, who ensured the youngster had little room to operate. Ronaldo, having left it all on the pitch, was subbed off in the 88th minute for Gonçalo Ramos, while Yamal made way in the 106th minute of extra time for Yeremy Pino.
As the match went to penalties, Portugal had the psychological edge, especially with Diogo Costa in goal – a proven shot-stopper with an eye for penalty saves. Costa saved Álvaro Morata’s spot kick, giving Portugal the upper hand. Rúben Neves then calmly converted the decisive penalty to seal the win and hand Portugal their second Nations League title.
Every trophy Portugal has lifted has come with Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch. Since making his international debut in 2003, the Portuguese legend has helped his country win the EURO 2016, Nations League 2019, and now Nations League 2025. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, many are wondering if we have seen the last of Ronaldo at a major international tournament. Rumours have also linked him to clubs participating in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, set to begin on 14 June 2025. While speculation grows, Ronaldo may have offered some clarity when he told Fabrizio Romano that he plans to stay with Al Nassr – so long as he avoids serious injuries, he intends to keep going.
Whether this was his last dance or just another step in a record-shattering career, Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved that when Portugal shines, his name is never far from the spotlight.
