By Martin Graham
Cristiano Ronaldo was overcome with emotion after Portugal claimed the Nations League title by beating Spain on penalties. Though he had been substituted late in the match, his contribution was significant. The veteran forward brought Portugal level at 2-2 in the 61st minute with a poacher’s goal from close range, marking his 138th international strike.
The victory came against Spain, their historic rivals, and was decided in a tense shootout. Ronaldo’s influence was evident throughout the campaign, having scored eight times in nine Nations League matches – second only to Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres. His goal against Spain was the 938th of his career and came after he latched onto a deflected cross from Nuno Mendes.
Now 40 years old and playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations. Despite only 22 touches in the final, he tracked back, even dispossessing Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. For Spain, this defeat ends a streak of recent tournament success, following their Nations League win in 2023 and their Euro 2024 triumph.
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo described the experience as emotional and said nothing compares to winning with Portugal. “It’s tears,” he said. “It’s duty done and a lot of joy.” Former players and pundits praised his instinct and presence, with Andros Townsend and Karen Carney both emphasizing his continued impact at the top level.
Portugal’s left-back Nuno Mendes played a standout role in the final. He was dominant both in defense and attack, keeping Lamine Yamal quiet and also scoring Portugal’s first equalizer with a precise shot into the bottom corner. His performance earned him the man-of-the-match title, capping a remarkable run in the tournament.
Mendes also won seven duels, completed four dribbles, and played more passes into the final third than anyone else in the team. His Champions League win with Paris St-Germain just a week earlier made this his second major success at Allianz Arena in quick succession.
Manager Roberto Martinez also secured his first trophy as a national team coach. After an unfulfilled tenure with Belgium’s talented squad, this Nations League win with Portugal may prove crucial to his future. Speculation had been swirling about his position, particularly with a new Portuguese federation president reportedly favoring a different coach.
However, Martinez’s work with Ronaldo, turning him into a regular scorer again, has not gone unnoticed. Ronaldo now boasts a better scoring rate under Martinez than under any previous coach. Observers believe this achievement has likely solidified his place at least until the 2026 World Cup.
As Guillem Balague put it, despite internal politics, “how can they get rid of him?” The team, especially key figures like Ronaldo, appear to have responded positively under his leadership. The World Cup may ultimately determine his legacy, but for now, the pressure has eased.
