With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to begin in around six months, a lot of eyes are currently on Cristiano Ronaldo, a forward in search of his maiden World Cup win. And, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has revealed how crucial the veteran is for the national team.
So, what has the former Belgium and Everton manager said about the Al-Nassr star?
Portugal Captain Cristiano Ronaldo Hailed for His Mentorship
During a recent interaction on “Canal 11’s Total Football” segment, Martinez highlighted how Ronaldo’s leadership benefits his Portugal teammates. He also asserted that the 40-year-old’s mentality is laudable.
“We have to see what Cristiano does to the opponent. With him on the field, there are two players who are hampered. The important thing is to use the space he creates, and we have to use his experience inside the area. Cristiano’s problem is that everyone has an opinion and doesn’t watch the game. We evaluate all players equally. Cristiano’s current attitude is exemplary,” Martinez said via ‘Bola na Rede.’
Martinez, who has been Portugal’s head coach since January 2023, added, “All the players in the starting XI are hampered (when Ronaldo does not play). We have to appreciate what he does. He’s been with the national team for 21 years. What Cristiano transmits to new and older generations is something unique. We tried to make it seem natural, because it’s a matter of respect.”
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Ronaldo, who will compete in his sixth FIFA World Cup next year, has been in good form for Portugal since the start of 2025. He has bagged eight goals in nine matches for his national team this year, picking up one red card in the process.
Former Portugal Star Tips Ronaldo To Play Until 2030
Former Portugal international Nuno Gomes has stated that Ronaldo could continue playing until the 2030 FIFA World Cup due to his commendable physicality.
“I think only him, or maybe not even him, knows the answer because I think he is doing year by year at this age. I think he’s still fit to play. He’s a really professional player and one of the players that we can point him as a example to follow for the young generations,” Gomes told talkSPORT.
So far, Ronaldo has featured in 22 games for Portugal in the FIFA World Cup. However, the Real Madrid and Manchester United great has found the back of the net just eight times in the prestigious tournament, failing to score a single goal in the knockout stage.
