Portugal manager Roberto Martínez and midfielder Bernardo Silva praised Cristiano Ronaldo’s “hunger” and “ambition” after the 40-year-old striker continued to defy age with a 68th-minute winner that secured a place in Sunday’s UEFA Nations League final.
On Wednesday night in Munich, Portugal came from behind to claim a 2–1 victory over Germany in their semi-final clash. While the team’s return to the final was significant in itself—it’s only their second in the history of the competition—it was Ronaldo’s latest record-breaking moment that captured global headlines.
The veteran forward scored his 137th international goal, making him the oldest player ever to score against Germany in international competition. The goal came just five minutes after substitute Francisco Conceição had drawn Portugal level with a powerful strike in the 63rd minute, cancelling out Germany’s early lead.
Speaking after the match, Bernardo Silva paid tribute to Ronaldo’s enduring drive and influence on the team.
“It’s his ambition to keep going,” Silva said of his long-time teammate. “It’s never easy — I don’t know how old he is, I think he’s like 40 — to still be hungry to go every day. He’s been doing this for more than 20 years. It’s tough, but he’s here with us and we’re happy he scored again.”
The result also ended Ronaldo’s long-standing losing streak against Germany and cemented his status as a key figure in Portugal’s pursuit of international silverware—even in the twilight of his career.
Portugal will now prepare for the Nations League final on Sunday, where they will aim to lift the trophy for the second time, following their 2019 triumph.
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