Ronaldo will turn 41 in February, but he is captain of the Seleção and is expected to play a major role in Martinez’s squad at the 2026 World Cup next summer. The Portuguese coach explained that his staff analyzes three criteria to determine his tenure.
Ronaldo was a key part of Portugal’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
Ronaldo is one of the first names on the scoresheet for the Portuguese national team. He scored five goals in five World Cup qualifying matches, and the Seleção finished first in their group, winning four of their six matches. The Al-Nassr striker, however, missed the final qualifying match, suspended following his sending off during Portugal’s 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland.
The 40-year-old striker was initially expected to miss at least one match at Portugal’s World Cup next summer, but FIFA decided to suspend the final two matches of his three-game ban. He will therefore be able to participate in the first match of the competition, counting for Group K, in North America.
Although Ronaldo will be 41 when the competition kicks off in June, Martínez explained why the legendary striker is an indisputable starter for the Portuguese team. The former Everton manager spoke “three pillars that we constantly analyze » to justify its regular selection.
“Talent, experience and attitude”
Asked by Marca why Ronaldo is an indisputable starter for the Portuguese team, Martínez said: “The attitude. We constantly analyze three pillars: talent, experience and the attitude he brings to the Seleção.
This maximum requirement that he imposes on himself to be present and useful is what allows the captain of the national team to always be selected. This thirst for victory is contagious. His 25 goals in 30 matches as a striker demonstrate his valuable contribution to the national team. »
Martinez took the reins of the Portuguese selection in January 2023, succeeding Fernando Santos, and is preparing to celebrate three years at the helm of the national team. Asked about his record at the head of the Seleção, the Spaniard declared : “I always like to work with the idea that my decisions will have an impact on the next 20 years. It is a responsibility that falls on us. We played 36 matches and achieved very good balance and consistency. »
