National football team receive a hero's welcome
Despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and several key players, hundreds of fans gathered in the heat to greet 18 of the 26 squad members who made the journey from Munich.
The Portuguese national football team received a jubilant welcome on Monday as they returned to Lisbon after winning the UEFA Nations League for the second time in the country’s history.
Hundreds of fans gathered at Humberto Delgado Airport to greet the returning heroes, despite the scorching temperatures and the absence of several key players, including captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Only 18 of the 26 squad members made the trip back from Munich, where Portugal defeated Spain 5–3 in a penalty shootout after a 2–2 draw in the final.
Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Diogo Dalot, and others remained abroad due to club commitments or personal reasons.
Those who returned were greeted by cheers, banners, and applause.
Midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, who played crucial roles in the final, carried the trophy and briefly showcased it to the ecstatic crowd.
“Get used to winning”
Despite the celebratory mood, some fans expressed disappointment at the limited interaction with the players.
One exception was João Palhinha, who took time to sign autographs and take photos with the remaining supporters.
The team then headed to the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, where the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) hosted an official reception.
FPF president Pedro Proença praised the squad and coaching staff, especially manager Roberto Martínez, whom he credited for instilling a winning mentality in the team.
“Let’s keep this winning streak going, get used to it,” Proença said, before embracing the Spanish coach.
In his speech, Martínez highlighted the players’ determination and unity, saying the trophy symbolized their professionalism and pride.
“This victory represents all the effort and values we’ve embraced as a team. We showed against Germany and Spain that Portugal is ready to compete at the highest level,” he stated.
Team captains Bruno Fernandes and Rúben Dias thanked the fans for their unwavering support.
Fernandes emphasized the team’s ambition to win more titles, while Dias acknowledged that although not all players could be present, the victory was deeply meaningful and the result of great teamwork and belief.
Second win
Portugal’s dramatic win on Sunday marked their second Nations League title, having first won the competition in 2019.
Spain twice took the lead in the final through goals by Zubimendi and Oyarzabal, but Portugal responded with equalizers from Nuno Mendes and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the penalty shootout, Portuguese players were flawless, while goalkeeper Diogo Costa made a crucial save to deny Spain’s Morata.
President and PM reactions
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, who were in the stands in Munich, both praised the team’s determination and skill.
Marcelo, visibly emotional, called the victory “delicious and thrilling,” and confirmed that the national team would be received at the Palácio de Belém.
Montenegro also highlighted the players' perseverance: “Twice behind, yet they never gave up, it reflects the resilience of our people.”
The trophy is now on display at the Cidade do Futebol, joining other historic achievements of Portuguese football.