Ronaldo shed tears after lifting the National League for the second time with Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo was overcome by passion on Sunday night, and Portugal won the penalty for a free throw, demanding them a second National League title.

The legendary captain once again announced that winning with his country exceeded all his club achievements.

Ronaldo’s 138th international goal brought Portugal’s claws back to the final, ending the final 2-2 after overtime. Although the 40-year-old striker was replaced before the gunfight, he watched his teammate converted from the field to win all five fines.

The result caused joyful tears of five-time Ballon d’Or Winner, who has now canceled three major international trophys: the 2016 European Cup, the first National League in 2019 and now the second National League champion in 2025.

“How glad,” Ronaldo said. “First of all, this generation deserves such a huge title for our family. My children are here, my wife, my brother, my friend.

“It’s always special to win Portugal. I have a lot of club titles, but nothing is better than winning Portugal. It’s tears. It’s the responsibility to do it, and it’s very happy.”

énossa!!!!!! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ypqyflkkie

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) June 9, 2025

Ronaldo, who once again played his country due to injury in the final, said he was willing to sacrifice without hesitation.

“I’ve felt it during the warm-up process, I’ve felt it for a while, but for the national team, if I have to break my legs, I’ll break it.”

“It’s to get the trophy, I have to compete, I go all out.”

“We are a small nation, but ambitious. Being the captain of this generation is a source of pride. Winning the championship is always the pinnacle of the national team.”

His future remains uncertain. Ronaldo recently ruled out participation in the upcoming club World Cup in the United States, despite reported interest in participating in 32 team tournaments.

Al Nassr’s sporting director Fernando Hierro confirmed that while Saudi clubs are negotiating an extension, global teams are eager to lure the veteran star’s team to fierce competition.

But, for the moment, Ronaldo is focused on the present, not the next step.

“The future is short-term,” he said. “It’s time to take a break. I’m injured, it’s the biggest, the biggest. I pushed because for the national team, you have to push.”