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On June 8, 2025, Portugal became winners of the UEFA Nations League in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Spain and with a penalty shootout 5-3 loss at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The crowd of 65,852 witnessed Cristiano Ronaldo net his 138th international goal, sending the game into extra time before Portugal held their nerve in penalties. For the second time in their history, Portugal became winners of this continental competition.
Winners in the Group Journey: League Phase Dominance
Portugal’s path to becoming winners began in the 2024–25 league phase running from September to November 2024. They topped their group (Group A1), winning four, drawing one, and losing one:
- Sep 5: Portugal 2–1 Croatia
- Sep 8: Portugal 2–1 Scotland
- Oct 12: Poland 1–3 Portugal
- Oct 15: Scotland 0–0 Portugal
- Nov 15: Portugal 5–1 Poland
- Nov 18: Croatia 1–1 Portugal
This phase got the ball rolling. Their attacking trio – Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Vitinha – looked bright. By continually taking the lion’s share of possession, and scoring goals, they eventually established a platform to win.
Knockout Stage: Quarter-Final and Semi-Final to Winners
Quarter-Final: Portugal’s Resilience
In March 2025 Portugal contested a quarter-final against Denmark over two legs. In the first leg, Denmark won 1-0. Portugal put on a determined display in the second leg to win 5-2, and past Denmark 5-3 on aggregate after extra time, developing the backbone of future winners.
Semi-Final: A Statement Victory
At the Nations League Finals (4–8 June 2025), Portugal beat Germany 2–1 in the semi-final on 4 June. This victory boosted their confidence and marked their arrival as legitimate winners of the competition.
The Final Showdown: How Champions Are Made
First Half Drama
In the final on 8 June, Spain struck first with Martín Zubimendi scoring in the 21st minute. Yet Nuno Mendes quickly equalized in the 26th minute to remind everyone why Portugal were later crowned winners
Spain regained the lead in the 45th minute through Mikel Oyarzabal. But the second half had a story of equalization written by Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s Equalizer: A Moment for the Winners
Cristiano Ronaldo, at age 40, rose to the occasion, volleying home in the 61st minute to make it 2–2. His legendary status grew with that 138th goal, keeping Portugal on track to become winners one more time.
Extra Time and Penalties: The Final Test for Champions
Despite a tense extra-time period, there was still no breakthrough for either side. Now with penalties, the final test is possible for true victors. Portugal converted all five spot-kicks, while Diogo Costa saved Morata’s attempt just as Rúben Neves secured the final one, giving Portugal the winner’s trophy
Key Players: Those Who Shaped the Winners’ Triumph
Cristiano Ronaldo – Captain and Historic Scorer
Ronaldo’s leadership and scoring made him central to Portugal’s rise. Not only did he equalize in the final, but he also scored decisive goals in the semi-final and quarter-final second leg. At 40, he’s rewrote history an elder statesman leading his team of winners.
Nuno Mendes – The Left-Back Extraordinaire
Named Player of the Match in the final, Mendes scored, assisted, and restrained Spain’s prodigy Lamine Yamal. His performance embodied why teams become winners—solid at the back, dynamic going forward
Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha Midfield Maestros
Bruno’s energy and Vitinha’s creativity in the midfield helped dominate possession. Vitinha also slotted his penalty. Their midfield control was critical to Portugal becoming deserving winners.
Diogo Costa The Final’s Unseen Hero
While not overshadowed, Costa was vital saving Spain’s only missed penalty. His calm ensured Portugal’s path to becoming winners stayed on course.
Coach and Tactics: Strategy Behind the Winners
Portugal was hailed by Roberto Martínez as they embarked on a fluid 4-3-3 on the field, transitioning between a three-three and four-man defense, and using wide players like Leão or Conceição as wingers. Martínez’s style allowed his team to remain versatile and calm under duress, which is the mentality of champions and eventual winners.
Historical Significance: Winners Twice Over
• First Victors: First victors, in 2019 (won against Netherlands)
• Now, in 2025, one-time victories, with their first victory coming in 2019
• Other victors: France (2021, second place) and Spain (2023), Portugal, however, stands as the only team to lift the trophy more than once, and further legitimizes them as true victors. Emotional Moments: Tears, Triumph, Tribute
Cristiano Ronaldo wept in celebration emotional moments that show how title winners feel. He said, “It’s tears. Its duty done … nothing is better than winning for Portugal”. Even Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, conceded “details do make the difference” between winners and runners-up
Legacy and Looking Ahead: Future Winners
Portugal now marches toward Euro 2026 and the World Cup as reigning Nations League winners with the combination of veteran leadership and young emerging stars, their future is bright right now. They have players like Vitinha and Mendes to build around for a long time.
Their show of power demonstrates one thing; any future Nations League or major tournament will have to be wary of the reigning champions of 2025.
Comparison to Spain: A Battle of Champions
Spain also boasted a strong, youthful squad including 17-year-old Lamine Yamal carrying the confidence of Euro 2024 winners. For 120 minutes, they matched champions Portugal’s intensity.
Ultimately, Spain’s tactical control could not last against Portugal’s courage under pressure in penalties. Spain is still with us, but Portugal are the victors of this final chapter.
Conclusion:
Portugal’s route to becoming Champions of the Nations League 2025 demonstrates stability in the league, high performances in the knockouts, individual superstar performances, tactical adaptability, and very importantly, an emotional heartbeat to the success through the accomplishments of Ronaldo. On 8 June 2025, the national team became the first country to win the UEFA Nations League on two occasions, securing a permanent legacy with the other great winners.
