Cristiano Ronaldo has established himself as one of the greatest soccer stars of all time because of his excellent goalscoring ability and an overflowing trophy cabinet. However, the attacker has yet to win the elusive FIFA World Cup trophy so far in his career.
And, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has shared his honest thoughts on if the former Real Madrid star should be deemed the greatest ever without winning the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo Receives Support From Portugal Head Coach
Speaking on the Portugal Football Summit Podcast, Martinez asserted that the Portugal star will go down as the best soccer player ever regardless of his future achievements.
“He will be the greatest player ever, whether he wins the World Cup or not. Our responsibility is to give ourselves the best possible chance to compete for it. That comes from analysing, improving constantly, and maintaining the same mindset that helped us succeed in the Nations League (in June 2025),” the 52-year-old Spaniard commented.
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Martinez, who has been in charge of Portugal since January 2023, also showered praise on Ronaldo for being an inspirational figure for the rest of the national team squad.
“I have never worked with a player who, every morning, has this focus on using the day to improve. If we could have Cristiano forever, it would be the easiest way to help younger players when they arrive at the national team. His desire is to use every day to become better,” the former Belgium and Everton manager added.
Ronaldo, who turned 41 earlier this month, is set to appear in his sixth FIFA World Cup this summer. He will be hoping to lead Portugal to their first-ever final in the tournament, which his national team has competed in eight times in history.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has lifted three international trophies so far, captaining all three. He helped the Martinez-coached team win their first silverware by winning the UEFA European Championship final against hosts France in 2016. The Al-Nassr man has also won two UEFA Nations League titles, in 2019 and in 2025.
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The Manchester United great has represented Portugal 226 times since making his debut in August 2003. He is the all-time leading international goalscorer, having found the back 143 times in 226 matches while providing 45 assists to his A Seleção teammates.
He is currently preparing himself for the upcoming World Cup at Al Nassr, where he became the all-time top goalscorer in just over three years. He has bagged 120 goals in 135 games in all competitions for his club since leaving Manchester United in January 2023.
