Cristiano Ronaldo shed tears of joy as he celebrated Portugal's remarkable victory in the Nations League, their third major trophy, after defeating Spain in a tense penalty shootout. The match, marked by Ronaldo's pivotal contribution, saw him score an equalizer that extended his record to 138 international goals, reaffirming his status as a key player even at the age of 40.

Portugal's triumph comes at a crucial time for manager Roberto Martinez, who has faced scrutiny since taking the helm in January 2023. This victory could potentially save his job, especially given the rumors about the Portuguese Football Federation's interest in other managerial options. Martinez, who previously struggled to secure silverware with Belgium's talented squad, now has a trophy to his name, which may bolster his position heading into the 2026 World Cup.

Ronaldo's performance, alongside standout displays from players like Nuno Mendes, who kept Spain's young star Lamine Yamal under control, was instrumental in the victory. Mendes not only scored but also showcased his defensive prowess, earning accolades for his all-around contribution to the team's success.

The win over Spain also marks a significant moment as it halts Spain's recent success in international tournaments, having won the Nations League in 2023 and the Euro 2024. The match highlighted the unpredictable nature of football, with Ronaldo proving once again that he can still shine on the biggest stage.

As Portugal celebrates this achievement, the focus will now shift to how Martinez leverages this victory to build momentum for future competitions. The Nations League may not be the most prestigious trophy, but it represents a step forward for a team looking to establish itself as a dominant force in European football once again.