Footage shows Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional reaction to Portugal’s Nations League triumph – as veteran uses Man United star as a shield during penalty shoot-out
New footage has revealed Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional reaction from the touchline as Portugal beat Spain on penalties to win the Nations League on Sunday night.
The 40-year-old had scored a second half equaliser to level the final at 2-2 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Ronaldo was brought off in the closing stages of normal time and was forced to watch extra-time and penalties from the touchline.
Footage has shown that Ronaldo was barely able to watch the shoot-out, with the 40-year-old, seen hiding behind coaching staff and his former Man United team-mate Diogo Dalot.
Portugal earned a 5-3 win on penalties with Spain forward Alvaro Morata seeing his effort saved by Diogo Costa.
Ronaldo could be seen falling to his knees after Ruben Neves converted the winning penalty.
Cristiano Ronaldo was seen hiding behind Diogo Dalot during the penalty shoot-out on Sunday, before celebrating with his former Man United team-mate after the winning spot-kick
A emotional Ronaldo was seen putting his head onto the pitch, before turning and celebrating in front of the crowd
Ronaldo has helped Portugal win the Nations League twice, as well as the European Championships
The forward then rested his head onto the turf for an extended period as staff offered their congratulations.
After turning to the crowd and pumping his fists in celebration, Ronaldo then made his way onto the pitch to continue to toast the victory with team-mates.
Ronaldo was ultimately reduced to tears by Portugal’s triumph, the first piece of silverware he has won with his nation for six years.
The veteran forward lifted the Nations League trophy in his role as Portugal captain.
Ronaldo has now won the European Championships with Portugal in 2016, as well as the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
He will set his sights on a final appearance at the World Cup next year in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Portugal will likely enter the tournament as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, one which has proved elusive for Ronaldo during his international career.
Ronaldo already holds the record for most men’s international caps with 221, while his 138th Portugal goal on Sunday extended his record further.
