Cristiano Ronaldo sheds tears of joy after Portugal's Nations League triumph
The Portugal star shed tears after helping his team win the Nations League on Sunday.
Ronaldo scored to help Portugal draw level with Spain 2-2 in the final, then watched as his teammates won the penalty shootout 5-3.
Advertisement
'I have many titles with my clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal,' Ronaldo said. 'These are tears. It's mission accomplished and so much joy.'
The 40-year-old Ronaldo had been the first to run out onto the field for the pre-game warmup, sparking a huge roar from the Portugal supporters, including many wearing jerseys emblazoned with his name.
His appearance prompted many supporters to pull out their cell phones to record the superstar while they could still see him in action. Ronaldo conceded Saturday that he won't be able to play forever.
That was three days after he helped Portugal to its first win over Germany for 25 years, scoring the winner for a 2-1 victory in the Nations League semifinals.
Advertisement
On Sunday he was driving the team again, though it was initially a frustrating game as his chances were limited by Spain's hard-working defenders.
Nuno Mendes fired Portugal level after Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring for Spain. Then Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain ahead 2-1 at the break.
But Ronaldo was in the right place at the right time to fire home the equalizer from Mendes' deflected cross in the 61st, setting off joyous scenes among his faithful fans. It was Ronaldo's 138th goal for Portugal. Nobody has ever scored more for their country.
Ronaldo kept trying in what was his record-extending 221st appearance for the country, but eventually had to go off exhausted in the 88th to standing ovations from fans and a hug from coach Roberto Martínez.
Advertisement
Ronaldo said he was carrying an injury into the game.
'I had already felt it during the warmup, I had been feeling it for some time, but for the national team, if I had to break my leg, I would have broken it,' Ronaldo said. 'It's for a trophy, I had to play and I gave it my all.'
Ronaldo's future is uncertain as his contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr only runs to the end of June. He posted 'this chapter is over' on social media after the club's last Saudi Pro League game of the season.
On Saturday he said he had all but decided not to go to the Club World Cup despite 'quite a few' offers from participating clubs to play there.
Advertisement
Whatever club Ronaldo plays for, he will keep striving for Portugal.
'I have lived in many countries, I have played for many clubs, but when it's about Portugal, it is always a special feeling,' he said.
___
AP Sports Writer Tales Azzoni contributed to this report.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
17 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Caitlin Clark still has no timetable for return following further medical evaluation this week
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark still has no time table to return, the team said Thursday following further medical tests this week. No further injuries were discovered during this week's evaluations. Clark has missed three games — including last weekend's WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis — since injuring her right groin July 15 against the Connecticut Sun. She traveled with her team to New York for their loss to the Liberty on Tuesday night. The Fever said Clark is continuing to work with team medical staff on her recovery and rehabilitation. Clark's current injury is the latest in a string of difficulties for the Fever star, which has included a left groin injury and a left quad strain earlier in the season. ___ AP WNBA:


Fox Sports
18 minutes ago
- Fox Sports
Caitlin Clark still has no timetable for return following further medical evaluation this week
Associated Press INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark still has no time table to return, the team said Thursday following further medical tests this week. No further injuries were discovered during this week's evaluations. Clark has missed three games — including last weekend's WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis — since injuring her right groin July 15 against the Connecticut Sun. She traveled with her team to New York for their loss to the Liberty on Tuesday night. The Fever said Clark is continuing to work with team medical staff on her recovery and rehabilitation. Clark's current injury is the latest in a string of difficulties for the Fever star, which has included a left groin injury and a left quad strain earlier in the season. ___ AP WNBA: recommended Item 1 of 1

Associated Press
19 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Caitlin Clark still has no timetable for return following further medical evaluation this week
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark still has no time table to return, the team said Thursday following further medical tests this week. No further injuries were discovered during this week's evaluations. Clark has missed three games — including last weekend's WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis — since injuring her right groin July 15 against the Connecticut Sun. She traveled with her team to New York for their loss to the Liberty on Tuesday night. The Fever said Clark is continuing to work with team medical staff on her recovery and rehabilitation. Clark's current injury is the latest in a string of difficulties for the Fever star, which has included a left groin injury and a left quad strain earlier in the season. ___ AP WNBA: