Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, has delivered an inspiring message to his Portugal teammates ahead of the much-anticipated UEFA Nations League final scheduled for Sunday, where they will face off against their fierce rivals, Spain.
At 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to demonstrate his remarkable longevity and commitment to the national team. Having recently scored the winning goal in Portugal’s thrilling 2–1 semi-final victory over Germany—marking his 137th goal at the international level—he has emerged as a beacon of leadership and motivation for his squad as they prepare for the final showdown.
In a heartfelt post shared on his official Instagram account, Ronaldo sought to rally his teammates and fans alike with a powerful message of unity and determination. He wrote, “It’s because of us. This is for you guys. It’s by Portugal. Tomorrow is the day to make history again,” underscoring the collective effort and pride fueling their quest for glory.
Portugal will be aiming to secure their second UEFA Nations League title, having previously won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2019. Meanwhile, their opponents, Spain, come into the final riding high after an exhilarating 5-4 win over France in the semi-finals, a match highlighted by a sensational brace from 16-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal, who has been hailed as one of football’s brightest young talents.
As captain of the Seleção, Ronaldo’s influence extends beyond his on-field contributions. His experience and drive to continue performing on football’s biggest stages remain unmatched. Despite the rising stars in the sport, including Spain’s Yamal who is already being touted as a future Ballon d’Or contender, Ronaldo recently shared his perspective on what truly defines greatness. He emphasized that decisive performances in the Champions League should be a critical measure, citing Ousmane Dembélé’s role in leading Paris Saint-Germain to a historic treble as an example of this standard.
The upcoming Nations League final not only represents a chance for Portugal to add another prestigious trophy to their cabinet but also offers Ronaldo yet another opportunity to inch closer to the remarkable milestones of 1000 career appearances and an unprecedented goal tally.
As fans around the world eagerly await the match, Ronaldo’s rallying cry stands as a testament to his enduring passion and commitment to his country’s footballing success.