Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final didn’t just send Portugal fans into celebration, it also reignited his long-standing rivalry with Franck Ribery.
The former France and Bayern Munich winger was in attendance at the Allianz Arena on Sunday, June 8, 2025, as Portugal defeated Spain on penalties to lift their second Nations League title.
Ronaldo had earlier scored in the 61st minute, with the final ending in a 2-2 draw before Alvaro Morata’s miss in the shootout handed victory to Roberto Martinez’s side.
The clash had already drawn major attention, with many eager to see if Spain’s Lamine Yamal could strengthen his Ballon d’Or case.
Ahead of the final, Ronaldo stirred debate by suggesting the Ballon d’Or had “lost its value,” arguing that any true winner should, at minimum, have won the Champions League.
Ribery, widely regarded as a victim of Ballon d’Or injustice in 2013 after Bayern’s treble-winning season, appeared to respond subtly on social media, seemingly referencing his snub in a veiled shot at Ronaldo.
That added fuel to the fire, and Portuguese fans didn’t miss the opportunity to get back at Ribery during Sunday’s final.
Just moments after Ronaldo scored, cameras caught a section of Portugal fans turning toward Ribery’s seat, taunting him visibly.
The 41-year-old responded by waving his arms in frustration before pulling out his phone and walking back inside to avoid the jeers.
The moment quickly went viral, marking yet another chapter in the simmering tension between two of football’s biggest names from the 2000s and 2010s.
Watch the video below:
🚨 FRANCK RIBERY WAS AT THE STADIUM WATCHING PORTUGAL SPAIN
PORTUGUESE FANS TROLLED HIM SO HARD AFTER RONALDO SCORED HE LEFT 😭
pic.twitter.com/4biz77m8pC— fan (@NoodleHairCR7) June 9, 2025
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