According to Reuters, Roberto Martínez, head coach of the Portugal national football team, stated that Cristiano Ronaldo, despite being 41 years old, is still evaluated based on his current fitness and performance, and age is not the primary factor in deciding his presence in the national team.
Ronaldo may participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the sixth time, an achievement that could become one of the rarest records in the history of world football.
In an interview with Reuters in Lisbon, Martínez emphasized that the Portugal national team does not make decisions based on players’ past achievements; rather, their current form and role within the team are what matter most.
He said: “We manage Cristiano Ronaldo as a player who wants to be part of the national team squad for the 2026 World Cup, not just as a legendary and symbolic figure.”
The Portugal coach added that, like other players, Ronaldo is judged based on his performance in training and matches, and all players are evaluated on an equal basis.
Martínez stated: “Age is just a number. In the national team, we can assess players’ conditions every day, and decisions are made based on those conditions.”
In Portugal, the main discussion is no longer whether Ronaldo will be in the World Cup squad, but rather what his role in the team will be, especially in competitions where match results are sometimes decided by substitutions, extra time, and penalty shootouts.
Martínez believes that modern football does not rely solely on starting players and that substitutes can also have a decisive impact on match outcomes.
He said: “Now we have five substitutions, and almost two different teams emerge during a match: the starting team and the finishing team. Every player has a defined role in the team’s success.”
The Portugal coach also emphasized that Ronaldo has always accepted his role in the team and has fully cooperated with implementing the team’s tactical plans.
Debate over reducing Ronaldo’s role began during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, when then-coach Fernando Santos benched him in the match against Switzerland. However, Martínez avoided directly comparing the current situation to that period.
He reiterated that the main criterion in the Portugal national team is merit and performance, and any player who executes their role better has a higher chance of getting on the field.
Martínez also praised Ronaldo’s tactical contribution on the pitch, noting that his impact is not limited to scoring goals but also includes creating space and disrupting defenders’ focus.
According to the Portugal coach, Ronaldo has scored 25 goals in 30 national team appearances under Martínez and remains one of the most influential players in the team.
Martínez believes that Ronaldo’s longevity and success are not only due to his physical abilities but also to his professional mindset and high motivation, which have played a key role in maintaining his excellence.
He said: “What has amazed me the most is Ronaldo’s passion. A player who has achieved all honors still continues with the same motivation.”
The Portugal coach concluded by emphasizing that Ronaldo remains one of the key figures in the national team locker room and a symbol of commitment to the team.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
