Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo described their UEFA Nations League win over Spain as “duty done” and an emotional moment for him. After Portugal secured the title with a penalty shootout victory, Ronaldo was seen wiping away tears, overwhelmed by the significance of the achievement.

For the 40-year-old, lifting a trophy with his country holds more meaning than any club success he’s had. He scored his 138th international goal to help push the game to penalties but then watched from the sidelines as Portugal converted all five spot-kicks to claim the trophy.

Speaking to Sport TV, Ronaldo shared how special the win was for his generation of players and his family, who came to support him. “Winning for Portugal is unlike anything else,” he said.

“I have many club titles, but nothing compares to this. It’s tears of joy. Duty done. This is what being captain means — pride and honor. Winning a major title with your country is the ultimate feeling.”

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo shared a funny moment about his kids being on Spain’s side after he led Portugal to victory over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday.

The 40-year-old said his children, who are Spanish, often tease him at home, joking that the trophy belongs to Spain. But after watching him help Portugal win at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Ronaldo expects they’ll show him a bit more respect.

“My kids always joke around saying — the trophy is for Spain,” Ronaldo said in a post-match interview. “Now they saw their dad beat Spain, so I think they’ll be a little nicer to me,” he laughed.

Ronaldo scored during the game, which ended 2-2 after extra time. Portugal then clinched the win 5-3 in the penalty shootout, thanks in part to Spain’s Alvaro Morata missing his shot. He also revealed he played the final carrying an injury, showing just how much it meant to him.

Cristiano Ronaldo has urged fans and the media to ease up on the rising hype surrounding 17-year-old Spanish talent, Lamine Yamal. Speaking after Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victory, Ronaldo praised Yamal’s potential but stressed the need to let the teenager grow without overwhelming pressure.

Despite Yamal’s solid performance, Spain lost 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time. The young Barcelona star has already racked up an impressive list of achievements, including a European title, La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa wins. Comparisons to legends like Ronaldo and Messi have started to swirl, but Ronaldo believes that kind of pressure could do more harm than good.

“He’s a phenomenon and he’s going to win a lot,” Ronaldo said. “But he’s only 17. Let him breathe. He needs time and calm to reach his full potential.”