UEFA Nations League 2024–2025 Season Final

The final match of the 2024–2025 UEFA Nations League was played on 8 June 2025 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. In the final, the national teams of Portugal and Spain faced each other. After a 2–2 draw following regular time and extra time, Portugal defeated Spain 5–3 in the penalty shootout to become champions for the second time in the tournament’s history.

Portugal celebrating their championship after defeating Spain 5–3 on penalties in the UEFA Nations League final, 8 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

The Road to the Final

Spain’s Semi-Final Match

Spain faced France in the semi-final at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart, Germany. Spain took a 2–0 lead into halftime with goals from Nico Williams in the 22nd minute and Mikel Merino in the 25th minute. In the second half, Lamine Yamal scored from a penalty in the 54th minute and Pedri added another goal in the 55th minute to extend the lead. Spain’s fifth goal came when Yamal scored his second of the match in the 67th minute. France reduced the deficit through goals by Kylian Mbappé from a penalty in the 59th minute, Rayan Cherki in the 79th minute, Daniel Vivian’s own goal in the 84th minute, and Randal Kolo Muani in the 90+3rd minute. The match ended 5–4 in favor of Spain, securing their place in the final.

Portugal’s Semi-Final Match

Portugal faced Germany in the semi-final. Despite falling behind early, Portugal regained the advantage and advanced to the final as Spain’s opponent. Nuno Mendes played a key role in Portugal’s attacking transitions and provided crucial assists during the match.

Final Lineups

Portugal and Spain in the UEFA Nations League final at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, 8 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Portugal (Starting XI and Substitutions):

Diogo Costa; João Neves (Nélson Semedo 46'), Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio (Renato Veiga 74'), Nuno Mendes; Bernardo Silva (Rafael Leão 74'), Vitinha; Francisco Conceição (Rúben Neves 46'), Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto (Diogo Jota 106'); Cristiano Ronaldo (Gonçalo Ramos 88').

Spain (Starting XI and Substitutions):

Unai Simón; Óscar Mingueza (Pedro Porro 92'), Robin Le Normand, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Pedri (Isco 74'), Martín Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz (Mikel Merino 74'); Lamine Yamal (Yeremy Pino 106'), Mikel Oyarzabal (Álvaro Morata 111'), Nico Williams (Álex Baena 92').

Final Match Summary

First Half

In the 21st minute of the final, Spain took the lead. Martín Zubimendi finished a cross from Lamine Yamal on the right flank after the Portuguese defense failed to clear the ball. Portugal equalized in the 26th minute. Nuno Mendes, receiving a pass from Pedro Neto, drove into the penalty area and fired a low left-footed shot past the goalkeeper to find the net. In the 45th minute, Mikel Oyarzabal capitalized on a pass from Pedri to slot the ball past Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa and restore Spain’s lead.

Portugal vs Spain, 8 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Second Half

Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martínez made changes at halftime, bringing on Rúben Neves for João Neves and Nélson Semedo for increased attacking presence. In the 61st minute, Cristiano Ronaldo scored Portugal’s equalizer. Following a cross from Nuno Mendes after he bypassed Yamal, the ball deflected off a Spanish defender and fell to Ronaldo, who volleyed it past Marc Cucurella into the net. This goal was Ronaldo’s 138th for the national team.

Portugal vs Spain, 8 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Extra Time

The match ended 2–2 after regular time, leading to two 15-minute periods of extra time. In the 94th minute, Nélson Semedo shot from inside the penalty area for Portugal but failed to score. Rafael Leão was among the key attacking players during extra time. In the 117th minute, Diogo Jota’s header missed the target. Neither side managed to score during extra time, and the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. Cristiano Ronaldo had been substituted in the 88th minute for Gonçalo Ramos. This match marked Ronaldo’s 221st appearance for the senior national team.

Penalty Shootout and Championship

In the penalty shootout, both teams converted their first seven attempts. Álvaro Morata’s fourth penalty for Spain was saved by Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Rúben Neves then scored Portugal’s fifth penalty to seal the victory. Portugal won the shootout 5–3 and became champions of the UEFA Nations League for the second time in its history.

Portugal celebrating their championship after defeating Spain 5–3 on penalties in the UEFA Nations League final, 8 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Individual Awards and Records

• Player of the Match: Nuno Mendes was named Player of the Match for his contributions in both defense and attack, scoring one goal and assisting the second.
• Player of the Tournament: Nuno Mendes was awarded the title of 2025 UEFA Nations League Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performances throughout the competition.
• Cristiano Ronaldo’s Participation: At age 40, Ronaldo became the oldest player ever to appear and score in a UEFA Nations League final. He scored eight goals during the tournament.
• Tournament Appearance Record: Bernardo Silva became one of the most capped players in UEFA Nations League history with 26 appearances.
• Final Goal Record: Mikel Oyarzabal became the first Spanish player to score in UEFA Nations League finals in both 2021 and 2025.