Cristiano Ronaldo confirms injury worries as Portugal hit new milestone

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed he suffered an injury in the warm-up ahead of Portugal’s victory over Spain in Sunday’s Nations League final.

Ronaldo was on the score sheet at the final, held in Munich’s Allianz Arena ended up 2-2 after 90 minutes, before Portugal eventually beat their bitter rivals 5-3 in a penalty shootout. It is Portugal’s first competitive win over their neighbours since Euro 2004.

The latest achievement also means Portugal have won the Nations League for the second time, having also lifted the trophy in 2019.

Ronaldo was not on the pitch for the shootout though, having being replaced by Goncalo Ramos with two minutes remaining. Following the match, the former Real Madrid forward confirmed he had fought through the pain barrier to help his side, as he hinted towards a potential retirement.

He described the win as a ‘duty fulfilled’ and insisted it was the ‘pinnacle’ for this group of Portugal players, a year out from the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Portugal players celebrate their UEFA Nations League final victory over Spain (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)

“I am so happy. First place for this generation, which deserved a title of this magnitude, for our families. My children came here, my wife, my brother, my friends. Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with my clubs, but there is nothing better than winning for Portugal. It brings tears to my eyes. It is a duty fulfilled and a lot of joy,” he told Sport TV.

“It’s beautiful. It’s our nation. We are a small people, but with great ambition. It makes me happy. I’ve lived in many countries, I’ve played for many clubs, but when people talk about Portugal, it’s always a special feeling. Being the captain of this generation, it’s a source of pride.

“Winning a title is always the pinnacle of a national team. Winning a title is the pinnacle. The future is about thinking short-term. Now it’s time to rest well. I had the injury and that was too much, too much… I pushed, because for the national team you have to push.

“I had already felt it [the injury] during the warm-up, I had been feeling it for some time, but if I had to break a leg for the national team, I would have. It was a title, I had to play and I gave my all, I went as far as I could. I helped with a goal.”

Ronaldo also reserved praise for boss Roberto Martinez. The Spaniard had come under fire following Euro 2024, in which Portugal stumbled into the quarter-finals before being knocked out by France.

“This generation deserved a lot, especially the coach. What they did to him wasn’t fair. They beat him up a lot and he doesn’t deserve it. He’s the right coach to be in the national team,” Ronaldo added.

“The passion he brings to training and matches is huge. Even though he’s not Portuguese, I appreciate him even more. We should respect him a little more and let him work calmly. After winning a competition like this, in Germany , against Germany and Spain , we have to give credit to the players and the coaching staff.”