The bird's wings never tire.

Cristiano Ronaldo – a name that has become all too familiar to the world for over two decades. Along with Messi, CR7 has set a series of unprecedented individual records. The 2025 Nations League title he won with Portugal at an age when most athletes would have long since retired shows that CR7 is truly an "unwearying bird" in the world of sports.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been playing at the highest level for over two decades. Recently, CR7 played a major role in Portugal's 2025 Nations League victory, scoring eight goals – the most in League A. The 40-year-old striker also scored in both the semi-final and the final. Overwhelmed with emotion after the nail-biting final victory against Spain, Ronaldo broke down in tears. These were tears of joy after Ruben Neves successfully converted the decisive penalty, securing Portugal's second Nations League title in six years. The victory couldn't have been sweeter, as Ronaldo and his teammates defeated the seemingly invincible Spain in a tense penalty shootout.

In this match, Spain couldn't maintain their advantage after goals from Martin Zubimendi in the 21st minute and Mikel Oyarzabal in the 45th minute. In the 26th minute, Nuno Mendes scored with a diagonal shot to equalize 1-1 for Portugal. In the 61st minute, after a cross from the left wing, Ronaldo tapped the ball in to equalize 2-2. In the 88th minute, the 40-year-old striker left the field, making way for Goncalo Ramos. With the score tied 2-2 in regular time and extra time, the two teams had to go to a penalty shootout. During the shootout, CR7 stood on the sidelines with the substitutes or players who had already left the field. Every time a Portuguese player stood before the penalty spot, Ronaldo would glance at them and then cover his face. Before the fifth penalty, the Portuguese captain didn't even dare to look anymore; he covered his face and hid behind defender Dalot before Neves took the decisive shot.

Just like when he won the Champions League for the first time in 2008 with Man Utd, after the penalty shootout, Ronaldo collapsed on the pitch and cried instead of running to hug and celebrate with his teammates. In this match, too, when Neves successfully converted his penalty, the 40-year-old captain bowed his head and wept. His teammates ran to a corner of the pitch to jump on each other and cheer. Only after calming down did Ronaldo go onto the pitch to celebrate with his teammates. CR7 also left a beautiful image by going to comfort his former teammate from Real Madrid and Juventus – Morata, the only player to miss in the shootout.

By defeating the reigning European champions, Portugal showed they are still capable of competing for the title. Ronaldo's next goal is none other than the 2026 World Cup. CR7 still has the ability to aim for his first world title at the age of 41. The facts have proven that this is entirely possible. Ronaldo has scored 24 goals and provided two assists in 39 finals played throughout his career. This record is second only to Lionel Messi, with 35 goals and 15 assists in 49 finals.

According to Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's head coach, Ronaldo's Nations League victory with Portugal shows that the Portuguese striker is still at the highest level at the age of 40. He shared, "I am very happy about the Nations League title that Ronaldo just won with the Portuguese national team. Ronaldo is truly a legend. At 40, Ronaldo is still performing at the highest level and he can play for any team and any national team in the world." Hopefully, this "tireless bird" will win the only title he is missing: the World Cup.

Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/canh-chim-khong-moi-130975.html