Ronaldo and the tears of turning 40.

The UEFA Nations League final, played in the early hours of June 9th (Vietnam time) between Spain and Portugal, was unexpectedly dramatic. Facing a La Roja team boasting a host of promising young players like Yamal and Nico William, Portugal still fielded a 40-year-old Ronaldo as captain. Bearing such a significant responsibility in what could be the final of his career, CR7 undoubtedly understood the immense pressure weighing on him.

Many players of Ronaldo's generation have retired, giving way to the next generation, but CR7 has chosen to continue playing. His desire to conquer remains as burning as ever, but time has caught up with the former Real Madrid striker. He can no longer sprint or perform those miraculous jumps like before, but the Portuguese superstar still perseveres with his runs on the pitch.

Perhaps being led by a spiritual leader like Ronaldo is what allowed the Portuguese national team to display such a tenacious fighting spirit against Spain – the reigning European champions. The European Selecao fell behind twice, and both times they equalized, with Ronaldo playing a crucial role in scoring the equalizer to make it 2-2 and rekindle hope for Portugal.

When the two extra time periods ended in a 2-2 draw, forcing the two teams into a tense penalty shootout, Ronaldo, who had already been substituted, stood there. The cameras captured the moment the 40-year-old superstar closed his eyes and turned away as his teammates took their decisive penalties. Perhaps at that moment, Ronaldo understood that the glory of victory or the sorrow of defeat would be decided in a single instant. With himself no longer able to play on the field, the 40-year-old star's entire hope rested on his younger teammates.

The drama of the final reached its peak when both teams successfully converted their first three penalties. It wasn't until the fourth penalty, when veteran Spanish striker Alvaro Morata missed, that Ronaldo's face relaxed slightly. And finally, when Ruben Neves successfully converted the last penalty for Portugal, Ronaldo collapsed, his shoulders shaking slightly. The 40-year-old football warrior wept uncontrollably as his teammates helped him win the National League for the second time. This may well be the last time Ronaldo experiences the joy of winning a title with the Portuguese national team.

This victory was partly fortunate, but it seems well-deserved given Ronaldo's contributions to the European Selecao and this tournament. With this championship, Ronaldo continues to be the greatest name in Portuguese football history and adds his name to the list of legends of world football.