Fresh video footage has surfaced capturing Cristiano Ronaldo’s passionate celebration after Portugal clinched the Nations League title for a second time, making them the first country to do so.
At 40 years old, Ronaldo played a key role in the final, scoring in the 2-2 draw with Spain before being forced off late in the game with a muscle injury in the 88th minute.
Unable to continue on the pitch, the former Manchester United star watched the penalty shootout anxiously from the sidelines.
Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes all converted their penalties, and after Spain’s Alvaro Morata missed, Ruben Neves sealed the win with the final spot kick.
Footage from the stands shows Ronaldo leaning into Diogo Dalot, his former Man United teammate, for support, overwhelmed with tension and unable to watch the decisive moment.
As Neves scored, Dalot turned to embrace Ronaldo, who dropped to his knees in relief and joy. The pair shared an emotional moment, pumping their fists in triumph. When Dalot ran to celebrate with the team, Ronaldo remained kneeling, overcome with emotion and burying his face in the grass.
Eventually rising, he looked visibly moved as he took in the celebrations and slowly walked toward his jubilant teammates.
Fans online were touched by the scenes. One person posted on X: “Dalot looks happier for Ronaldo than anyone else. He was literally his shield during the penalty. So heartwarming.” Another wrote: “I love their friendship, Ronaldo always turns to Dalot, even though he’s younger.”
Others chimed in with messages like “You can tell how loved Ronaldo is,” and “So emotional.”
“Nothing Beats Winning for Portugal,” Ronaldo Reflects
Speaking to Sport TV after the game, Ronaldo expressed his deep pride:
“I’m overjoyed. This title means everything, not just for us as a team, but for our families. My kids, my wife, my brother, my friends were all here. Winning for Portugal is something truly special.”
He added: “I’ve won many titles with clubs, but nothing compares to winning for my country. It brings tears to my eyes, it feels like a mission accomplished.”
Calling Portugal “a small nation with big dreams,” he emphasized how proud he is to captain the team:
“It’s an honor. Every title with the national team is a career highlight.”
Ronaldo also opened up about the injury that forced him off:
“I felt it in the warm-up and during the game, but I kept pushing. For the national team, I’d do anything, even if it meant breaking a leg. I gave it everything and managed to contribute with a goal.”
