The Real Madrid superstar was left sobbing as he left the final on a stretcher just 24 minutes into the game after suffering a knee injury.
But he later returned to the touchline to encourage his team-mates through the rest of the match, as they stunned host nation France to claim the trophy.
Former Swansea striker Eder scored the only goal of the game just ten minutes from the end of extra time to secure the victory.
And speaking afterwards Ronaldo revealed just how much finally achieving success with his national team meant to him.
"No one believed in us," he said. "I had already won everything with clubs. I lacked something with the national team. Portugal have deserved this after many years of sacrifice
"It was not the final I wanted, but I am very happy. It is a trophy for all the Portuguese, for all immigrants, all the people who believed in us, so I am very happy and very proud."
Ronaldo kicked every ball on the sidelines, standing alongside manager Fernando Santos.
And he was again in tears when Mark Clattenburg blew the final whistle and he celebrated with his team-mates.
His knee injury appeared to be forgotten as he joined the rest of the squad on the pitch - where he soon removed his shirt - as the party began.
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