Ronaldo, Carsley, and Georgia Are Winners in Europe’s Return to National Team Soccer

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Portugal and Scotland at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 8, 2024. Armando Franca/AP Photo

Potential coaching upheaval, players’ injuries, an underdog continuing to soar—oh, and Cristiano Ronaldo stealing the spotlight once again.

International soccer returned to Europe over the past week, less than two months after the conclusion of Euro 2024, and there was plenty to take away from the first batch of games in the Nations League:

Ronaldo Shines

You just can’t keep him out of the headlines.