Portugal national team manager Roberto Martinez told Reuters in Lisbon that Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, could play in his sixth World Cup in North America this year. Martinez insisted the veteran striker is judged on current form, not past glory.

"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 in Portugal centers on Ronaldo's role in high-stakes matches, not his place in the squad.

Martinez argued that modern football's five substitutions blur the line between starters and finishers. "There are different roles, and Cristiano has always accepted his role," he said, referencing Ronaldo's benching in the 2022 World Cup against Switzerland.

Under Martinez, Ronaldo has scored 25 goals in 30 appearances — his best international ratio. The coach praised his movement, discipline, and ability to create space for teammates. "He is fantastic at those movements, those runs, opening spaces, splitting centre halves," Martinez said.

"Somebody that has won everything has the hunger of somebody that hasn't won a trophy yet," Martinez said, highlighting Ronaldo's daily pursuit of improvement and "that elite brain" as keys to his longevity.

Martinez acknowledged the constant noise around Ronaldo — "every taxi driver has an opinion" — but stressed his job is to examine evidence and pick the team on merit. "The players are always on the pitch on merit," he concluded.

Source: www.aljazeera.com