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Category: Football

Ronaldo, Portugal Beat Spain to Clinch Second UEFA Nations League

Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria

Portugal secured their second UEFA Nations League title on Sunday night after a tense 5-3 penalty shootout victory over reigning champions Spain, following a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
MUNICH, GERMANY – JUNE 08: Ruben Dias and team mates of Portugal celebrate after Ruben Neves of Portugal (not pictured) scores his sides winning penalty during the UEFA Nations League 2025 final match between Portugal and Spain at Munich Football Arena on June 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Truth Live News gathered that, Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored a crucial equaliser in the second half to take the game into extra time, watched from the sidelines during the penalty shootout, where Portugal remained flawless from the spot. Spain’s Alvaro Morata was the only player to miss, with his effort saved by Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Ruben Neves then calmly dispatched the winning penalty into the bottom corner to seal the win.
For Ronaldo, this marks a third major international trophy, adding to Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 triumph and their inaugural UEFA Nations League win in 2019. At 40 years old, the captain was visibly emotional, shedding tears of joy as the final whistle blew. The goal he scored, his 138th for Portugal, was pivotal in keeping the team’s title hopes alive.
Portugal vs Spain UEFA Nations League Final
This trophy comes as a timely and well-earned reward for Ronaldo, who has endured a three-year international silverware drought despite finishing as the top scorer in multiple competitions during that period. His leadership and impact remain undeniable, even in the twilight of his legendary career.
Spain’s youthful squad fought bravely and showed great promise, matching Portugal stride for stride over 120 minutes. Goals from both sides lit up the final, but the Spanish side couldn’t translate their dominance into a win, ultimately falling short in the shootout. Their coach gathered the team in a huddle at the end, a sign of solidarity after a campaign full of growth and potential.
As Portugal lifted the trophy for the second time, becoming the first team to win the Nations League more than once, the jubilant squad celebrated to the tune of “Freed from Desire” echoing around the stadium. Ronaldo, though absent from the shootout, was front and center during the trophy presentation.
Portugal vs Spain UEFA Nations League Final
Portugal’s name is now etched once again into the base of the UEFA Nations League trophy, six years after their inaugural triumph in 2019, a powerful reminder of the consistency and resilience of this golden generation of Portuguese football.
June 8, 2025
Ronaldo Sets Criteria for Ballon d’Or Winner
Cristiano Ronaldo has said that the Ballon d’Or award should go to a player from a team that has won the Champions League title.
Ronaldo expressed this opinion ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League final match against Spain.
The Portuguese star will face Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who is widely regarded as a contender for the Ballon d’Or prize.
Yamal’s team, Barcelona, won LaLiga and Copa del Rey, but failed to reach the Champions League final.
Ronaldo stated, “In my opinion, whoever wins it should be on a team that has won trophies. The Ballon d’Or winner should be in a team that has won the Champions League.”
Ousmane Dembele’s team, Paris Saint-Germain, recently won the Champions League title by defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.
This victory has led to growing calls for Dembele to claim the Ballon d’Or award.
However, Lamine Yamal has been in impressive form, netting a brace in the Nations League semi-final win over Germany.
Many fans and pundits are of the opinion that Yamal should be crowned the winner in order to make history as the youngest Ballon d’Or winner.
June 7, 2025
Why Chelsea Should Sign Ronaldo — Obi Mikel
Why Chelsea Should Sign Ronaldo — Obi Mike
Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has urged his former club to sign Cristiano Ronaldo in the current summer transfer window.
Mikel said Chelsea’s new signing, Liam Delap, can greatly benefit from learning alongside Ronaldo at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel expressed his enthusiasm for Ronaldo to play for Chelsea in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup tournament, saying, “I think it might be Al Hilal if he [Ronaldo] goes, so they are trying to make him get to the tournament which will be good, even for the fans, and for all of us to see Ronaldo and Messi compete in another tournament.”
Ronaldo is an exceptional player and top scorer, and Mikel noted that it would be fantastic to see him in action, stating, “It is amazing. Ronaldo is an amazing player and top goalscorer, it will be great to see him.”
When asked about Ronaldo playing for Chelsea, Mikel responded affirmatively, “Doing it at Chelsea? Yes.”
Mikel raised Chelsea’s need for a top-class striker, stressing that Ronaldo will add value for Delap’s development.
“Of course, we need a number nine, and he is someone Delap can learn from,” he said.
Truth Live News recalls that Ronaldo’s future with Al-Nassr is uncertain, with the 40-year-old yet to sign a new deal and hinting that his time with the club might be coming to an end.
June 7, 2025
Kepa Set to Join Arsenal in £5m Move from Chelsea

Arsenal are on the verge of signing Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has agreed to join the Gunners as a backup to David Raya.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish shot-stopper, once the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, is poised to make the switch across London after Arsenal trigger his £5 million release clause, with the deal expected to be finalized soon.
Kepa, 29, spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, where he made 20 appearances but failed to secure a permanent move.
Back at Chelsea, he has been sidelined under new head coach Enzo Maresca, who prefers other options in goal. With his contract nearing its end, Kepa’s move to Arsenal offers a fresh start, reuniting him with Mikel Arteta, who values his experience and ball-playing ability despite his inconsistent spell at Chelsea.
The transfer, described as a “here we go” moment by Romano, positions Kepa as a reliable deputy to Raya, who has cemented his place as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper.
The Gunners’ move reflects their strategy to bolster squad depth for a Premier League title push. Chelsea, meanwhile, are content to offload Kepa’s wages, freeing up funds for further squad investment.
Fans are divided, with some Arsenal supporters excited about Kepa’s pedigree and others skeptical due to his past struggles. As the deal nears completion, all eyes will be on how Kepa adapts to his new role at the Emirates.
June 7, 2025
Al Hilal Ups Bid for Osimhen as Galatasaray Rivals for Nigerian Star

Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal have intensified their pursuit of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, submitting an improved bid to both the club and the Nigerian striker to secure his signature.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the enhanced offer, reportedly exceeding €70 million with a higher salary for Osimhen, aims to finalize the deal before the FIFA Club World Cup registration deadline on June 10.
Osimhen, who scored an impressive 37 goals in 41 appearances during a loan spell at Galatasaray last season, has also attracted strong interest from the Turkish club, which is pushing to sign him permanently.
Galatasaray’s efforts in the last 24 hours have added pressure to negotiations, with Osimhen reportedly open to staying in Europe for Champions League football.
Napoli, however, are holding firm on their €75 million release clause, creating a standoff as Al Hilal’s latest proposal falls just short.
The 26-year-old, previously linked with Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea, is expected to make a final decision soon.
Al Hilal’s new coach, Simone Inzaghi, has personally engaged with Osimhen to sway him toward the Saudi move.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray’s financial constraints may hinder their ability to match Napoli’s valuation.
With the clock ticking, Osimhen’s next move remains a focal point in the transfer market, balancing lucrative offers against his European ambitions.
June 7, 2025
Garnacho Set to Exit Man United as Premier League Clubs Circle

Manchester United’s young star Alejandro Garnacho is poised to leave the club this summer, with both the player and the club agreeing to part ways.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 20-year-old Argentine winger, who has been a standout performer despite a strained relationship with head coach Ruben Amorim, has attracted interest from top Premier League clubs and Bayer Leverkusen.
Romano reports that negotiations are expected to intensify following the mutual decision to end Garnacho’s tenure at Old Trafford. The winger’s frustration, evident after being benched in key matches like the Europa League final against Tottenham, has fueled speculation about his future. His exclusion from the squad for United’s final Premier League game against Aston Villa further signaled a fractured relationship with Amorim.
Premier League clubs are reportedly keen on securing Garnacho’s signature, with staying in England a “serious option.” Bayer Leverkusen, now managed by former United boss Erik ten Hag, has also approached Garnacho’s entourage, though financial constraints may complicate a move to Germany.
Italian clubs, including Napoli, have previously shown interest but were deterred by United’s €90m valuation.
Garnacho’s departure is part of Manchester United’s broader squad overhaul under Amorim, who is prioritizing new signings like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo to bolster the attack.
The decision to let Garnacho go has sparked debate among fans, with some warning that United may regret losing the talented youngster.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Garnacho’s next destination remains a hot topic in football circles.
June 7, 2025
Real Madrid Joins the Race for Osimhen’s Signature
The battle to land Victor Osimhen this summer is heating up, with Real Madrid now in the race to sign the Nigerian striker.

Osimhen has been heavily linked with Saudi giants Al Hilal in the past few days, but the 26-year-old was reportedly given a June 5 deadline to make a decision.

With the ultimatum over, it appears Al Hilal will look to other options as they prepare their squad for the Club World Cup.

While Galatasaray is desperate to keep Osimhen in Turkey beyond the summer, other top European clubs are in the race too.

Osimhen has emerged as a top target for Real Madrid as new manager Xabi Alonso looks to reshape the club’s attacking line-up.

After scoring 37 goals across all competitions for Galatasaray this season, Osimhen has rocketed to the top of Los Blancos’ shortlist.

Alonso is understood to be a long-time admirer of Osimhen’s explosive style, combining raw athleticism with smart movement and lethal finishing.
June 6, 2025
Ronaldo The Difference as Portugal Defeats Germany to Seal UEFA Nations League Spot
Toba Owojaiye reporting

In a pulsating clash of football giants, Portugal edged past Germany with a stunning victory that not only sealed their dominance but also confirmed their qualification to the next round of the 2025 UEFA Nations League.
Under the floodlights of the packed stadium, the Portuguese side, led by captain Bruno Fernandes, showcased tactical brilliance, composure, and attacking flair to overcome Germany 2-1 in a high-stakes battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Portugal struck first, with a thunderous goal from rising star João Neves in the 24th minute, capitalizing on a lapse in Germany’s midfield.
Germany responded with intensity, and their equalizer came in the 52nd minute through Kai Havertz, who slotted home a clever assist from Leroy Sané.
The defining moment arrived late in the 83rd minute when Diogo Jota curled in a spectacular finish that sent Portuguese fans into raptures.
Germany mounted a desperate late assault, but Portugal’s defense, marshaled by veteran Rúben Dias, held firm. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa made a decisive save in stoppage time, preserving the lead and ensuring qualification.
Portugal qualifies with an unbeaten record so far in the group stage, signaling their serious intent to go deep into the tournament.
Germany’s fate now hangs in the balance, with their next match becoming a must-win scenario as they battle to avoid an early exit.
Portugal’s Head Coach, Roberto Martínez, praised his players:
“This was about heart, hunger, and national pride. We knew Germany would push us to our limits, but we responded like true champions.”
Germany’s manager Julian Nagelsmann, visibly disappointed, admitted:
“We had moments, but moments don’t win you matches. Portugal punished our mistakes, they deserved this win.”
This victory rekindles memories of Portugal’s golden generation, combining seasoned leaders with emerging talent. With momentum on their side and qualification secured, many now tip Portugal as dark horses to win the entire tournament.
For Germany, the pressure intensifies, and questions around tactical cohesion and defensive reliability will likely dominate headlines in the coming days.
Portugal’s 2-1 triumph over Germany wasn’t just a win, it was a statement. A showcase of grit, flair, and strategic mastery. With this result, Portugal books its place in the next round, while Germany stares at uncertainty. The tournament just got a lot more interesting.
June 4, 2025
Arsenal Shares List of Players Leaving the Club This Summer
Arsenal has published a list of 20 players who are departing the Premier League club this summer after their contracts expire on June 30.
The list includes players from the men’s team, under-21 and under-18 levels, as well as members of the women’s squad.
The departing players are: Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Reece Clairmont, Khayon Edwards, Jakai Fisher, Romari Forde, Teyah Goldie, Jimi Gower, Jack Henry-Francis, Lina Hurtig, Amanda Ilestedt, Jorginho, Max Kuczynski, Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, Ismail Oulad M’Hand, Neto, Brian Okonkwo, Elian Quesada-Thorn, Zacariah Shuaib, and Raheem Sterling, Kieran Tierney.
“In addition, the following players’ contracts also expire on June 30, 2025,” the club stated.
“But discussions are ongoing, and once matters are finalised between all parties, we will communicate in due course: Chloe Kelly, Thomas Partey, Michal Rosiak.”
June 4, 2025
Osimhen’s Brother Reveals Player’s Next Move
Osimhen’s older brother, Patrick Osimhen, has hinted that the striker will likely stay at Galatasaray.
According to his brother, “Victor Osimhen loves life at Galatasaray and would like to continue playing his football there.”
The Nigeria International is expected to return to Napoli before accepting offers from any club of his choice, but Galatasaray hope he will consider sealing a permanent deal with them.
Patrick Osimhen was quoted as saying, “I think he will stay here,” when asked about his brother’s next destination.
When asked if he was joking, Patrick replied, “He loves it here.”
Truth Live News reports that Osimhen helped Galatasaray win a domestic double this season and was a fan favourite throughout his loan spell at the Turkish side.
June 3, 2025

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