Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has praised Cristiano Ronaldo’s enduring passion for the international stage, revealing that the 41-year-old forward is approaching his sixth World Cup with the exact same hunger as his very first appearance. Speaking to reporters ahead of Portugal’s highly anticipated tournament opener against DR Congo, Martinez described the veteran striker as a true blueprint for future generations of athletes.
The debate surrounding Ronaldo’s continued role in the national team has grown increasingly polarized in recent months. Critics frequently point out his recent dry spell at major tournaments, noting that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has failed to score in his last nine major competition appearances. Concerns have also been raised about his limited defensive work rate when Portugal loses possession. Even so, Martinez remains fiercely protective of his captain’s place in the starting lineup, insisting that Ronaldo’s tactical presence and leadership remain unmatched.
According to the head coach, Ronaldo’s internal drive has not waned a bit despite his decades at the top level. Martinez emphasized that for any child falling in love with football, Ronaldo represents the ultimate role model. He noted that the forward’s intensity and emotional commitment behind closed doors match the energy of a debutant, making him a vital asset inside the penalty box who naturally creates space for his teammates.
This sentiment is echoed within the squad itself. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes recalled watching a teenage Ronaldo lead Portugal to the final of Euro 2004 on home soil. For Fernandes and the rest of the current squad, sharing the pitch with a player they grew up idolizing is considered a massive honor. Fernandes made it clear that the entire team is fully united behind their captain to push Portugal as far as possible in the tournament.
Portugal enters this World Cup with one of the most envied midfield setups in international football. Fernandes himself is fresh off a spectacular season, having secured Premier League player of the year accolades. Alongside him, Vitinha and Joao Neves arrive with immense confidence following their consecutive Champions League triumphs with Paris Saint-Germain, while Bernardo Silva prepares for a new chapter with Real Madrid after a highly successful nine-year run at Manchester City.
With such a deeply talented generation of players at his disposal, Fernandes believes that while execution on the pitch is what matters most, the squad is cohesive enough to harbor the ultimate ambition. He noted that the team is incredibly united and that dreaming of lifting the trophy is certainly not forbidden.
Despite the high expectations, Martinez has urged his players to maintain absolute focus and avoid looking past their immediate opponents. Pointing to Cape Verde’s shocking scoreless draw against Spain, the Spanish tactician warned that tournament football leaves no room for complacency. He admitted that from an outside perspective, a match against DR Congo carries immense pressure, where a narrow win is criticized, a draw is seen as a disaster, and a loss is treated like the end of the world. He cautioned that underdogs often play with freedom and no expectations, proving that easy fixtures simply do not exist on this stage.
In a final update regarding the team’s long-term management, Martinez addressed ongoing speculation about his future, confirming that he will step down from his role once his contract expires at the conclusion of the tournament. The manager stated that this has always been the plan, and his sole priority right now is to successfully finish the project he started three-and-a-half years ago. When he first took the job, the objective was to build a squad capable of competing for every trophy, with the ultimate destination being this very World Cup campaign.
