Cristiano Ronaldo has a personal trophy cabinet stacked with numerous silverware, barring one, the FIFA World Cup trophy. And, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has opened up on why Ronaldo’s captaincy is vital to his team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo Labelled ‘Example’ by Portugal Boss
During a recent interview with Lusa, Martinez lavished special praise on Ronaldo and hinted that the 40-year-old Al-Nassr striker’s form is crucial to Portugal’s performance level.
“What’s happening around Cristiano is a historical event. He’s a world football icon, but that doesn’t condition or limit our work. Cristiano is very calm and very focused on the day-to-day, and that’s a simple formula. When Cristiano is doing well, he’s very important for the national team,” Martinez said.
Martinez, who has been Portugal’s head coach since January 2023, also stated that the former Real Madrid attacker is an inspirational figure for the entire national team camp.
“We follow what he’s doing every day. He’s really enjoying it (in Saudi Arabia). He has a worldwide reputation, but for us, he manages to maintain simplicity within the national team. His focus is an example to follow. He found a way to focus on the day-to-day, and the consequence of that is reaching the next World Cup,” he added.
The former Everton manager, who helped Belgium finish third in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, concluded, “I love the commitment of the players, and Cristiano is our captain because he deserves to be our captain. We are prepared, I am prepared, the (Portugal) coaching staff is prepared, the players are prepared.”
Ronaldo, who will turn 41 next month, is set to appear in his final international tournament for Portugal this year. He will compete in his sixth FIFA World Cup this summer and hopes to add a maiden win to his national team’s trophy cabinet.
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Since making his Portugal debut in August 2003, the Manchester United great has played in 226 international games. He has found the back of the net 143 times, including eight in the FIFA World Cup, and laid out 46 assists for Portugal, according to UEFA.
Portugal, whose best FIFA World Cup finish came in 1966 when it finished third, will feature in Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It will take on Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the FIFA Playoff Path 1 winner in the group stage of the prestigious quadrennial tournament.
