By Seyi Babalola
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers in history, has had an excellent career with the Portugal national team.
While his trophy cabinet is overflowing with club honours, his achievements on the international stage are equally significant.
Ronaldo, who won his third title last night with Portugal following the 2016 UEFA Euro and the 2021 edition of the Nations League, was emotional at the end of the final against Spain.
His major international successes with the national team are three titles: the UEFA European Championship in 2016, the UEFA Nations League in 2019, and the UEFA Nations League in 2025.
Daily Sun explores the competitions Ronaldo has won with Portugal:
1. UEFA European Championship 2016
The 2016 UEFA European Championship, held in France, was Portugal’s first major international title and a watershed point in Ronaldo’s international career.
Portugal began the competition as underdogs, facing a difficult journey to the final. As captain, Ronaldo played a crucial role in the competition, scoring three goals and providing three assists.
Portugal suffered a blow in the final against host nation France when Ronaldo was forced to leave the pitch in the 25th minute owing to a knee injury. Despite his absence, his leadership on the sidelines motivated the team.
Portugal won 1-0 in extra time thanks to Eder’s goal, giving them their first European Championship title.
Ronaldo’s emotional homecoming, lifting the Cup, highlighted his significant contribution on and off the pitch.
2. UEFA Nations League 2019
The first UEFA Nations League in 2018-19 gave Ronaldo another chance to add to his international accolades.
The tournament was held in Portugal, and the hosts won their group in the league round before meeting Switzerland in the semi-finals.
Ronaldo provided a masterpiece, scoring a hat-trick in Portugal’s 3-1 triumph to get to the final.
Portugal won the final 1-0 over the Netherlands, with Gonçalo Guedes scoring the game-winner. Ronaldo’s leadership and heroics in the semi-finals were important, and he won the tournament’s best scorer title with three goals.
The triumph was Portugal’s second major international prize, demonstrating Ronaldo’s lasting significance at the age of 34.
3. UEFA Nations League 2024/2025
Cristiano Ronaldo was instrumental in Portugal’s success in the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League, clinching their second title and making them the first team to win the league twice.
The final, contested on June 8, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, saw Portugal overcome reigning champions Spain 5-3 on penalties following a dramatic 2-2 deadlock in extra time.
At age 40, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to enjoy the world of Football and no sign yet of retirement.
This shows that he still has some records to break while still playing for both country and club sides.