'Nothing is better' - Emotional Cristiano Ronaldo puts international honours above all else after claiming UEFA Nations League glory with Portugal

The 40-year-old frontman has been lifting major silverware again with his country. Despite facing questions of his contribution to the collective cause on the back of a disappointing European Championship in 2024, CR7 hit eight goals for Portugal in their triumphant UEFA Nations League campaign.

That came to a close in a thrilling clash with Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Despite trailing on two occasions, Roberto Martinez’s side - courtesy of Ronaldo’s 138th international goal - were able to force extra-time and penalties.

After breaking into tears at the end of a thrilling shootout - which he sat out after picking up an injury - Ronaldo hoisted another trophy aloft. He told Sport TV afterwards of his emotions: “What a joy. First of all for this generation, which deserved a title of this magnitude, for our families. My children came here, my wife, my brother, my friends.

“Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. It's tears. It's duty done and a lot of joy. When you talk about Portugal it is always a special feeling. Being captain of this generation is a source of pride. Winning a title is always the pinnacle in a national team.”

Ronaldo is now a two-time Nations League winner, having previously claimed that prize in 2019. He also helped his country to Euros glory in 2016, with those medals meaning more to him than any domestic title or Champions League memento.

Having ruled out a move to a team competing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Ronaldo has revealed that he intends to extend his contract at Al-Nassr and will be gracing the Saudi Pro League again during the countdown to the 2026 World Cup.