Munich, 8 June 2025 – Under the dazzling lights of the Allianz Arena, the UEFA Nations League Final delivered a football thriller.

Portugal were crowned champions after a gripping encounter against defending champions Spain ended 2‑2 after extra time, before Portugal triumphed 5‑3 on penalties.

Match Summary

Spain struck first when Martín Zubimendi capitalized on a loose ball in the box to give La Roja the lead in the 21st minute.

Portugal responded swiftly with Nuno Mendes unleashing a powerful strike from outside the area in the 26th minute to level matters.

Just before half-time, Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s advantage, finishing a swift counter-attack to make it 2‑1.

In the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo—in a career-defining moment—lashed in a volley in the 61st minute, marking his 138th goal for Portugal, and drawing the sides level again.

Despite a tense extra time with no further goals, the drama peaked in the shoot-out. Spain’s Álvaro Morata was the only one to miss, with Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa saving the decisive penalty to seal a historic win.

Key Takeaways

Portugal lift their second Nations League trophy, the first since winning the inaugural competition in 2019.

Spain came close to retaining the title but ultimately fell short, beaten by composure and a stellar performance from Portugal’s keeper.

Ronaldo’s equalizer and veteran poise were pivotal in tilting the game back Portugal’s way, underscoring his enduring impact on the national team.

Tactical Review

Portugal started brightly, weathered Spain’s early dominance, and grew into the game in the second half.

Their patience paid off with Ronaldo’s equalizer, shifting momentum ahead of the decisive penalties.

Spain will rue missed opportunities and the costly miss in sudden-death, but their performance demonstrated resilience and flair.

Final Scoreline

Regular Time: Portugal 2–2 Spain

After Extra Time: 2–2

Penalty Shootout: Portugal 5–3 Spain

Portugal’s triumph caps off a brilliant end to the international season, setting the stage for an exciting buildup to Euro 2028 qualifications. Congratulations to the champions.

In a major transfer development, Jobe Bellingham is officially on his way to Borussia Dortmund in a deal that marks a significant moment for both Sunderland and the Bundesliga giants.

Renowned football insider Fabrizio Romano broke the news on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that the highly-rated English midfielder will join Dortmund for a €33 million fixed fee, with €5 million in add-ons and a 15% sell-on clause included in the agreement.

This transfer not only represents a record sale for Sunderland AFC, but also marks the continuation of a remarkable family legacy at Signal Iduna Park.

Just a few years ago, Jobe’s older brother Jude Bellingham burst onto the global football stage through his performances at Dortmund before making a headline move to Real Madrid.

Now, Jobe follows in his footsteps, poised to carve out his own legacy in black and yellow.

Borussia Dortmund had initially tabled a €20 million offer, but Sunderland stood firm, demanding better value for one of their brightest prospects.

Their patience has paid off with a deal that firmly places Jobe among the most expensive players in the club’s history.

This signing is seen as a major coup for Dortmund, who continue to prioritize youth development and smart recruitment.

With Jobe’s versatility, composure, and technical quality, he is expected to integrate smoothly into Dortmund’s dynamic midfield setup.

As the club prepares for the 2025/26 season, fans will be eager to see what this new Bellingham can bring.

One thing is certain: Borussia Dortmund’s faith in young talent remains unwavering — and the Bellingham name is back in the Bundesliga spotlight.

In a dramatic twist to one of the summer’s most anticipated transfer sagas, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has rejected a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal—despite a reported agreement between the club and Napoli for a €75 million transfer fee.

Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano broke the news on Sunday, June 8, stating that Osimhen personally turned down the lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League club. The development comes even after weeks of negotiations that saw Al Hilal and Napoli reach a consensus on the financial terms of the deal.

However, Osimhen, who remains one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards, appears uninterested in making a switch to the Middle East at this stage of his career.

The rejection has opened the door for other clubs, with Turkish giants Galatasaray reportedly set to push hard for his signature. Romano noted that Galatasaray will “insist” on signing the Nigerian international, reigniting competition among European clubs eager to secure the striker’s services.

Osimhen, 26, has enjoyed a prolific stint at Napoli, playing a key role in their Serie A title triumph in 2023. His combination of speed, power, and finishing ability has drawn attention from several top European clubs in recent transfer windows.

With the Saudi move now off the table, speculation is likely to intensify over Osimhen’s next destination. As the summer transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on Napoli and Galatasaray—along with any other contenders that may enter the race.