Cristiano Ronaldo Shines In UEFA Nations League

Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t know how to slow down. While most players his age enjoy retirement or are winding down their careers in quieter leagues or podcasts, the Portugal captain still does what he’s always done. He is showing up when it matters most, scoring crucial goals, and leading his country on the biggest stage.

In the 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinal against Germany, the 40-year-old did it again. He helped Portugal come from behind to secure a 2–1 victory, ending a decades-long personal and national drought against Germany. In a night full of drama, emotion, and vintage CR7 magic, Ronaldo reminded the world why he’s still one of football’s greatest ever.

Breaking the German Curse

For Ronaldo, June 4, 2025, will be one of those full-circle moments. Playing at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, Portugal went toe-to-toe with a depleted but dangerous German side missing stars like Jamal Musiala and Antonio Rüdiger. Germany took the lead in the second half, and for a moment, it looked like history might repeat itself. The former Manchester United man had never beaten Germany in his 21-year international career.

Portugal struck back with energy and purpose. Francisco Conceição came off the bench and dazzled with a solo effort to bring things level. Just minutes later, it was Ronaldo’s turn. In the right place at the right time, as always, he buried a close-range finish after Nuno Mendes whipped in a perfect cross.

That goal sealed the win and marked Ronaldo’s 137th international goal, extending his record as the top men’s international goal scorer of all time. More importantly, it gave him his first-ever win over Germany in a Portugal shirt and ended a 25-year wait for Portugal to beat the four-time World Cup winners. It was more than just a semifinal win. It was personal redemption, a national statement, and a historic turning point.

937 Career Goals and Counting

Ronaldo’s winner against Germany wasn’t just any goal. It was his 137th for Portugal and his 937th in a career that refuses to slow down. At 40, the veteran still comes through in pressure moments, dragging his country over the line when it matters. Whether it’s a Nations League semifinal or a World Cup qualifier, the man delivers. What’s even more insane? He’s already the top scorer in this edition of the tournament with six goals, and he’s doing it against elite opposition. Most strikers start fading in their 30s, but Ronaldo looks like he’s just shifted gears.

Leading By Example

Ronaldo is not just Portugal’s most famous player. He is also their emotional leader, their on-field general, and their most dependable weapon in clutch moments. Take the quarterfinals against Denmark, for example. After losing the first leg 1–0, Portugal turned things around with a dramatic 5-2 extra-time win in the second leg. Ronaldo, of course, scored one of the goals that swung the tie and pushed them into the semis.

And then there are the little things that don’t appear on the scoresheet. Like before the Germany match, a fan in a wheelchair accidentally rolled into him near the dugout. Most players might have brushed it off, but the Portugal captain stopped, smiled, gave the fan a moment, and even posed for a selfie. That kind of grace is rare and speaks volumes about the kind of man he’s become off the pitch.

One Last Title Push?

Portugal is heading to the UEFA Nations League final, where they’ll face either Spain or France. With Ronaldo still playing like he’s in his early 30s, Portugal believes this could be their year. He’s already scored five goals in the knockout stages, and his impact on and off the field can’t be overstated.

At 40, with 220 international caps and 137 goals, Ronaldo is doing things we’ve never seen before at this age and level. He’s already talked about reaching the much-awaited 1,000-goal mark, and the way he’s playing, that dream doesn’t sound so crazy. Some players chase legacies. The former Real Madrid man has built one that will never be forgotten, yet he’s still not done.