Portugals Ronaldo evaluated based on performance, not age, by coach Martinez

Portugal Coach Roberto Martinez Emphasizes Cristiano Ronaldo’s Current Form Over Age

Lisbon, Portugal - Portugal national team coach Roberto Martinez has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo’s age is only a number when it comes to his role in the squad. The 41-year-old forward is set to make his fifth World Cup appearance and holds the record for most international goals with 143.

Martinez emphasized that Ronaldo’s performance in training and on the field will determine his place in the starting lineup, not his age or past achievements. “We manage the Cristiano Ronaldo that plays for the national team trying to get into the squad for 2026, not the iconic figure,” Martinez said.

The debate surrounding Ronaldo’s role in the team has shifted from whether he belongs on the squad to what his role should be at a World Cup where small margins can make a difference. Martinez argued that modern football has moved beyond treating the starting lineup as the only measure of status, citing the five substitutions allowed per match.

Ronaldo has consistently demonstrated his value to the team, scoring 25 goals in 30 appearances under Martinez’s management, a better goals-per-game ratio than any previous national-team coach. The coach also highlighted Ronaldo’s ability to create space and opportunities for teammates through his movements and discipline on the field.

Martinez emphasized that Ronaldo’s longevity is not solely due to physical gifts, but also his elite brain and daily pursuit of improvement. He noted that the player’s hunger to succeed has made him a key figure in the dressing room and a representative of what it means to play for the national team.

When asked about the potential for Ronaldo to accept a reduced role, Martinez declined to draw direct parallels between tournaments, citing the importance of form, style, and context. He stressed that all players are judged on merit, and Ronaldo’s place in the squad will be determined by his performance on the field.

Source: Al Jazeera