What UEFA Nations League win means for Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has been Portugal’s ultimate talisman on the international stage. Since he made his debut in 2003, the Seleção have experienced an unprecedented era of success, winning three major tournaments — UEFA Euro 2016, and the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations Leagues — having never won one before his arrival.

More than just a beacon of hope, Ronaldo has etched his name in history books as the all-time top scorer in men’s international football with 138 goals in 221 appearances for his country. In helping Portugal secure a second Nations League trophy, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has experienced a victory that means a little more to him than his numerous club successes and personal accolades. 

Portugal reached the Nations League final by beating Germany 2–1, with Ronaldo scoring the winner in the 68th minute. Spain, on the other hand, defeated France 5–4 in a highly entertaining affair to reach the final, with young Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal scoring a brace.

Touted as a battle between Yamal, an upcoming superstar, and an ageing Ronaldo, the scales kept tilting one way and the other in what was a highly entertaining final.

Spain drew first blood when midfielder Martín Zubimendi opened the scoring in the 21st minute. However, in-form fullback Nuno Mendes levelled proceedings five minutes later with an unerring finish into the far corner. Not just that, Mendes also kept the dangerous Yamal relatively quiet. However, Spain continued dominating the first half and, on the cusp of half-time, reclaimed the lead through forward Mikel Oyarzabal. 

Portugal came back firing in the second half, and their attacking intent paid dividends just after the hour mark, with Ronaldo in the right place at the right time to tap home the equaliser in the 61st minute. However, the 40-year-old couldn’t carry on much longer and had to go off in the 88th minute, as regulation time ended with the sides level at 2–2.

The game went into extra time and then penalties, where Portugal edged out Spain 5–3 to take home their second Nations League trophy as an emotional Ronaldo celebrated from the sidelines. 

Even though the narrative surrounding the Nations League is that it’s not a big tournament, Portugal would disagree. Having competed with the best in Europe to emerge victorious, winning the trophy here should give them a lot of encouragement going into the FIFA World Cup next year.

Portugal boast a competitive squad with talented and in-form players. They have a reliable shot-stopper in Diogo Costa, a solid backline featuring Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, and Nuno Mendes, and a stacked midfield of Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, João Palhinha, and Rúben Neves. Their only concern could be the attacking prowess up front, as even with skilful and talented forwards they still tend to rely on Ronaldo for goals.

If Portugal are to have any chance of winning the World Cup, forwards like Pedro Neto, Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Ramos, and Diogo Jota will have to find form and up the ante to support their talismanic captain. A lot also depends on how head coach Roberto Martínez utilises his squad. Instead of over-reliance on ageing and out-of-form players, his aim should be to find the perfect XI, the right formation, and the right tactics to challenge the best teams in the world. 

At 40 years old, it’s evident that Cristiano Ronaldo is nearing the end of his illustrious career, with next year’s World Cup likely to be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage. While he has already cemented his legacy at club level, having represented giants like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, the World Cup remains the one prize that has eluded him.

For a player who has achieved almost everything, lifting that golden trophy would be the ultimate crowning moment. If Portugal can overcome their challenges and go all the way, it would make for a fitting conclusion to the career of one of football’s all-time greats — a triumph that would see Ronaldo “complete” the game, much like Lionel Messi did in 2022.