Head coach of the Portuguese national team Roberto Martinez spoke about the role of Cristiano Ronaldo in the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The coach of the Portuguese said that not too many everyday substitutes put doubts on the playing practice of the 41-year-old forward at the upcoming World Cup. Following the words of Martinez, the captain of the national team continues to demonstrate Vinyatkov’s motivation and professional commitment to the task..

" You deserve it. We would like to pass on this approach to work to all young graves, even to those who are looking for inheritance.

Our coaching staff has come to the conclusion: Cristiano Ronaldo is not playing for specific individual or team titles. It’s not what’s in you that means it, but it’s your hunger. Even if we didn’t win, the next day would be the same hunger that would steal the day,” Martinez said..

Ronaldo will lose a key figure in the Portugal national team. The forward played 226 matches for the national team, scoring 143 goals and providing 46 assists. At world championships he has 22 matches, a total of goals scored and two assists.

Guess what, back in the spring, Martinez was positive about the veteran’s prospects with the team, and also noticed that the forward is obsessed with achievements and has 1,000 goals in his career.

At the 2026 World Championships, Portugal will compete in Group D and compete with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.. Before the start of the tournament, Roberto Martinez's team will play friendly matches against Chile and Nigeria.