Cristiano Ronaldo Scores in Nations League Final, Fans Proclaim Him Undisputed GOAT

Cristiano Ronaldo Scores in Nations League Final, Fans Proclaim Him Undisputed GOAT

  • Cristiano Ronaldo spurred Portugal to UEFA Nations League glory as his side won on post-match penalties
  • The 40-year-old scored the crucial equaliser to tie the game at 2-2 and set an enviable record in the final
  • Netizens took to social media to lavish praise on Ronaldo, with many labelling him as the true GOAT

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Cristiano Ronaldo put on another headline-grabbing performance on June 8, assisting Portugal's victory over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final.

Contrary to many who believed his career would wind down at the age of 40, the veteran played a crucial role and even set a new record in the process.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring in the semi-final of the UEFA Nations League against Germany.
Cristiano Ronaldo scores an important goal for Portugal against Spain, sending the UEFA Nations League final to post-match penalties. Photos by Maryam Majd and Crystal Pix/MB Media.
Source: Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo strikes on Nations League stage

Proving his ability to score when it matters most, Ronaldo was in the right place at the right time in Sunday's clash.

Similar to his semi-final heroics against Germany, he capitalised on a defensive lapse to score an equaliser in the final.

Fans at home and at the Allianz Arena witnessed a star player who, despite his age, still lives for decisive moments.

Spain’s early edge in Nations League final

La Roja took the initiative early, with Martín Zubimendi putting them ahead just after the 20-minute mark.

The midfielder, reportedly on Arsenal’s radar, finished a well-worked move to give his country control.

Portugal responded with determination, with Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes drawing it level.

Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead, giving them a 2-1 advantage at half-time, as per Football Espana.

Portugal star Ronaldo sets Nations League record

A flurry of substitutions breathed new life into the match, especially for the Portuguese side. With energy levels rising and pressure mounting, the breakthrough came.

Marc Cucurella failed to clear his lines, and Ronaldo, like a true predator, pounced - rifling the ball into the back of the net and rewriting tournament history in the process.

With that strike, which forced the game to a deadlock, he became the oldest player to score in a Nations League final, yet another remarkable milestone in a career full of them.

Fans praise Cristiano Ronaldo after final heroics

As expected, football lovers flooded social media with praise and admiration for Ronaldo.

The term 'GOAT' echoed across many platforms, and these reactions capture the sentiments:

@TimelineCR7 wrote:

"THE GREATEST BIG GAME PLAYER OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

@realgazakuren praised:

"GOAT for a reason!"

@_aesthetic__guy boldly claimed:

"GOAT status confirmed!! CR7 owns the big stage!!🔥"

@dubclub was a little enthusiastic with his praise:

"Give him the Ballon d'Or."

@Vinodku07072002 summed up with Ronaldo's famous goal chant:

"Siuuuu 🐐🐐🐐"

Despite Ronaldo being withdrawn in regulation time, his teammates held the fort and clinched victory on post-match penalties, as noted by the BBC.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates celebrate winning the UEFA Nations League for the second time after beating Spain in the final on June 8, 2025.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates lift the UEFA Nations League trophy after defeating Spain in the final on June 8, 2025.
Source: Getty Images

Ronaldo tears up after Portugal's victory

YEN.com.gh also reported on Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional reaction as Portugal clinched their second UEFA Nations League crown after a nail-biting finish.

Following Ruben Neves’ decisive strike, CR7 was visibly moved, shedding tears as he embraced teammates and coaches in what may be his final international triumph.

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Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe avatar

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin's career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: [email protected].

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