Third trophy with Portugal: title hunter Ronaldo: The old man shows it to everyone again

For a tiny moment, Cristiano Ronaldo in the middle of all the hustle and bustle was all alone. He looked at the large silver cup in his hands – then we continued with the party. The final of the Nations League – it again became a big Ronaldo show. And the old man showed it to everyone again. The third title with Portugal’s national team was one of the most beautiful of his career for the 40-year-old football world star. And mind you, it is not yet over.

He had already won a lot of trophies, said Ronaldo after the penalty thriller against Spain. But there is “nothing better” than such victories for Portugal. The five -time world football player experienced a wide variety of emotions on his magical night. And sent important messages.

He is still for Portugal’s selection, in which significantly younger stars such as the Champions League winner Nuno Mendes and Vitinha of Paris Saint-Germain are increasingly pushing into the spotlight. He still doesn’t have enough of professional football: Ronaldo will probably also play in Saudi Arabia at Al-NassR FC next season. In addition, after the impressions on Sunday evening, it would not take the 2026 World Cup – this XXL event in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Goal scorer against Germany and Spain

The highly expected generation duel between Ronaldo and Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal – at least this time it was clear to the old master. The much-discussed question of what he can give his team impressively answered the offensive man at this final four tournament.

In the 2-1 in the semi -finals against hosts Germany, he had achieved the winning goal, in the final against Spain the interim 2-2. Ronaldo played a “significant role” in this triumph, explained coach Roberto Martínez. Which this title should also help after the latest criticism.

Martínez is not undisputed in his adopted home and has often been tackled hard by the media for the not always so intoxicating appearances of his team. That was “unfair”, Ronaldo said. The 51 -year -old Spaniard is the right coach and deserved more respect.

“CR7” still electrifies the masses

Ronaldo himself has been sure. Also around this final it became clear how much the old star still electrifies the masses. Jubilant emerged when he was the first field player to warming up like an arrow from the player tunnel on the lawn. Whether when the lists are announced or after his gate to 2: 2 – as loud you could, the many fans called his name with number 7 on the back. When Ronaldo reached the interview zone in the stomach of the arena deep at night, he was surrounded by the journalists.

Machner Bruno Fernandes brought him the trophy, which Ronaldo had previously first trained outside on the square and then rain in the confetti rain together with his teammates towards the night sky.

Tears of joy – and new contract with al -Nassr?

Since he had been replaced shortly before the start of the extension, Ronaldo had only followed the penalty shootout as a noble fan from the sidelines – and was still right in the middle of it. The tears of joy that he had shed immediately after the decision – they are part of this master of self -staging. They also illustrate his passion. This hunger for victory, which he still carries.

“He helps us a lot,” said Portugals in the final of outstanding and completely right -wing Mendes about Ronaldo. “He has a winning mentality, he is a role model. We are happy that we have it.”

But how long? At least with a view to his club affiliation, “CR7” answered this question quite clearly. “Nothing will change,” he said. That means: He will extend his contract in Saudi Arabia at the end of the month. And with the national team? After winning the 2016 European Championship and the Nations League 2019, there can only be one goal: the World Cup 2026. The Golden Cup, Ronaldo is still missing.