Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has revealed what his coaching staff have found out about Cristiano Ronaldo and his longevity in football. The 41-year-old is gearing up for his sixth FIFA World Cup appearance next month.
The Selecao das Quinas are in Group K alongside DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia. Having won the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr, the mercurial forward will now be aiming for glory at the World Cup.
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Many fans believe this is the last opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo to get his hands on the trophy and become world champion. However, Martinez has claimed that the Portugal captain does not play to win collective or individual titles.
The Portugal boss also insisted that his coaching staff have come to the conclusion that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is not defined by what he eats but rather by the hunger he possesses.
Martinez said on Caden Ser radio:
“We would love to be able to pass on Cristiano Ronaldo’s model to all young footballers in Portugal because he is a role model.
“We, the [national team] coaching staff, have come to a conclusion: Cristiano Ronaldo does not play to win a specific collective or individual title.
“Cristiano is not defined by what he eats, but by the hunger he possesses. Whatever Cristiano wins, the very next day he has the same hunger to improve.”
Martinez then stated that although there is a genetic aspect to it in terms of the work he puts in on his body, the forward also never loses his appetite for success.
Hailing the star forward for his ‘different mentality’, Martinez added that it has helped him maintain this longevity in football.
He explained:
“I have worked with many players that have won a Champions League or a Ballon d’Or and the next day they lose their appetite. What we have with him is an example of a different mentality.
“I believe that having that goal is what allows for longevity. Of course, there is a genetic aspect, the work he puts in — he uses everything that can help his body — and his mentality.”
Martinez also backed the Al-Nassr icon to play for Portugal at the 2030 World Cup as well, stating that he has ‘earned’ the right to be in the squad.
Portugal are at their best if Cristiano Ronaldo does not play, claims MLS legend
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, MLS icon Taylor Twellman has made an explosive statement. The former USMNT forward believes that Portugal are a better team if they don’t include their captain in the line-up.
Speaking on ESPN, Twellman stated:
“For Portugal, and I’m going to make a bold statement here, this is the best team Ronaldo has ever had around him at a World Cup. I actually think Portugal is at their best if he doesn’t play.”
The comments from Twellman will be music to the ears of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is someone who thrives on his mentality of wanting to prove his doubters wrong.
Portugal begin their World Cup campaign against DR Congo on June 17.
Edited by Nived Zenith
