Portugal are the 2025 Nations League champions, defeating Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Allianz Arena. It’s the second title in the competition for the Seleção, who first lifted the trophy in the inaugural 2019 edition. The final was decided from the spot, where Portugal held their nerve while Álvaro Morata’s costly miss proved decisive—eerily reminiscent of his infamous Euro 2021 semi-final blunder.
Once again, Cristiano Ronaldo stole the spotlight both emotionally and technically. The 40-year-old netted the all-important 2-2 equaliser in the 61st minute and was visibly emotional on the sidelines during the shootout, embraced by Diogo Dalot. Having already lifted the Coppa Italia with Juventus in 2021, this may have been CR7’s final appearance for the national team—and he bowed out as a champion.
Both managers made tactical tweaks after their respective semi-finals. Spain’s Luis de la Fuente handed a surprise start to Oscar Mingueza and brought Fabian Ruiz back into midfield. Portugal’s Roberto Martinez restored Vitinha and gave a start to Francisco Conceição. The match featured four PSG players fresh off their Champions League triumph over Inter.
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Spain started on the front foot, creating early chances through Pedri and Nico Williams before breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute. A slick exchange initiated by Oyarzabal and capped by Zubimendi—helped by an unfortunate deflection from Joao Neves—put La Roja ahead. But Portugal hit back just five minutes later, with Nuno Mendes curling in a pinpoint left-footed strike past Unai Simón.
In the second half, Martinez reshuffled his backline, bringing on Semedo for the struggling Neves. Bruno Fernandes had a goal disallowed for offside, but the equaliser wasn’t far off. Mendes once again burst down the flank and delivered a cross that, after a deflection, fell perfectly to Ronaldo, who pounced with classic poacher’s instinct.
The closing stages saw a flurry of substitutions: Leão, Veiga, Isco, Merino and Morata entered the fray, while an exhausted Ronaldo was subbed off in the 88th minute for Gonçalo Ramos. Extra time brought no breakthrough—Spain appeared drained, their lack of composure worsened by puzzling changes like the removal of Pedri, Yamal and Fabian Ruiz.
In the shootout, Portugal were flawless. Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes and Ruben Neves all converted. Diogo Costa’s crucial save on Morata sealed the 5-3 win on penalties, delivering a trophy that reignites Portuguese pride—and perhaps closes the curtain on the international career of one of football’s greatest icons.
