Ronaldo Leads Portugal to Nations League Title over Spain/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Portugal captured the 2025 UEFA Nations League title after defeating Spain 5-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in Munich. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 138th international goal, while Diogo Costa’s crucial save and Rúben Neves’ final spot kick sealed the win. France finished third after a 2-0 victory over Germany.
Portugal Nations League Triumph: Quick Looks
- Final Score: Portugal 2, Spain 2 (Portugal wins 5-3 on penalties)
- Shootout Hero: Diogo Costa saved Álvaro Morata’s penalty
- Ronaldo Impact: Scored 138th international goal, subbed off to standing ovation
- MOTM: Nuno Mendes—goal, assist, penalty, and defensive dominance
- Spain’s Miss: Morata was the only player to miss a penalty
- French Glory: Mbappé scores 50th international goal in 2-0 win over Germany
- Back-to-Back Wins: Mendes, Ramos, Vitinha also won UCL with PSG
- Attendance: Thousands in Munich celebrated Portugal’s historic win
Deep Look: Portugal Crowned Nations League Champions After Penalty Drama vs Spain
Munich, Germany
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are back on top of European football after claiming the 2025 UEFA Nations League title in thrilling fashion. In a tightly contested final against Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Portugal emerged victorious in a 5-3 penalty shootout after a gripping 2-2 draw through 120 minutes.
As “We Are The Champions” played through the stadium, Ronaldo lifted the trophy with pure joy, capturing what could be one of his final international titles.
Penalty Perfection and a Hero in Goal
The decisive moment came when Diogo Costa, Portugal’s goalkeeper, saved Álvaro Morata’s penalty — the only miss in an otherwise flawless shootout. Moments later, Rúben Neves calmly slotted home the winning penalty, triggering wild celebrations from the Portuguese squad and their fans.
Morata was devastated after the miss, requiring consolation from teammates.
“It’s a shame and it’s tough,” said Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored earlier in the match. “But we’re proud of our team.”
Ronaldo Shines Again
At age 40, Cristiano Ronaldo proved he’s still vital, scoring his record-extending 138th international goal in the 61st minute to equalize after Oyarzabal had put Spain ahead just before halftime. Ronaldo’s finish came after a cross from Nuno Mendes, deflected into his path.
Ronaldo exited the pitch in the 88th minute to a standing ovation and a warm embrace from coach Roberto Martínez. Just days earlier, Ronaldo helped Portugal secure their first win over Germany in 25 years.
Nuno Mendes: Player of the Match
Nuno Mendes put in a world-class performance. Not only did he score Portugal’s first goal with a low finish in the 26th minute, but he also provided the key cross for Ronaldo’s equalizer, confidently converted his penalty, and neutralized Lamine Yamal, Spain’s brightest young talent.
At just 22, Mendes added another title to his résumé — his second major trophy in two weeks following PSG’s Champions League win.
He wasn’t alone in doubling up: Gonçalo Ramos, João Neves, and Vitinha — also of PSG — celebrated back-to-back titles after the UCL triumph.
France Finishes Third
Earlier in Stuttgart, Kylian Mbappé led France to a 2-0 victory over host nation Germany to claim third place. The Real Madrid star scored his 50th international goal and provided an assist in a match that had little appeal for the French camp.
Coach Didier Deschamps had played down the game’s importance the day before, remarking:
“The game is there, we’ll play it.”
France was without key stars Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola due to injuries. Even so, they ended their campaign on a positive note.
Match Summary
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
Portugal Goals:
- Nuno Mendes (26’)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (61’)
Spain Goals:
- Martin Zubimendi (21’)
- Mikel Oyarzabal (45’)
Penalty Shootout (5-3):
- All Portuguese takers scored
- Morata’s miss was decisive
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