Martinez backs 40-year-old Ronaldo as key starter for Portugal ahead of World Cup

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez believes that football star Cristiano Ronaldo, despite being 40, remains a vital pillar of the national team as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.

Martinez reaffirmed that Ronaldo continues to be a regular starter for Portugal, saying that the veteran forward still meets all the key criteria required for selection. Ronaldo, who will turn 41 on February 5, 2026, shortly before the World Cup begins on June 11, continues to impress with his attitude, consistency and output.

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According to Martinez, player selection is assessed using three core pillars: experience, talent and attitude, all of which Ronaldo still embodies.

“Attitude. There are three pillars that we constantly analyse: talent, experience and the attitude he can bring to the Selecao,” Martinez told Marca, as quoted by Goal.com.

“That maximum demand he places on himself to be present and help is what allows the captain of the national team to always be on the roster. That hunger to be the best is contagious. Twenty-five goals in 30 games playing as a striker shows that what he does on the field contributes a lot to the national team,” he added.

Martinez, who will complete three years in charge of Portugal in January 2026, took over from Fernando Santos following the latter’s successful eight-year tenure, during which Portugal won the UEFA Euro 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019.

Reflecting on his time with the national side, Martinez highlighted the importance of long-term planning and stability.

“I always like to work with the idea of making decisions that will be valid for the next 20 years. It is a responsibility we have. We have played 36 matches and achieved a very good balance and great consistency,” he said.

Ronaldo, who joined Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in 2023, remains Portugal’s captain and continues to deliver on the international stage. He scored five goals in five World Cup qualifying appearances, helping Portugal top their group with four wins from six matches.

The veteran forward, however, missed Portugal’s final qualifier after receiving a red card for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea during a 2-0 defeat to Ireland on November 13, 2025.

Despite the loss, Portugal finished top of Group F and secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup. FIFA later reduced Ronaldo’s three-match ban for violent conduct to a one-match suspension, with the remaining two games suspended under a one-year probation period. As a result, Ronaldo remains eligible to feature in Portugal’s World Cup opener, provided he avoids a similar offence.

Martinez also emphasised the importance of squad continuity at the international level.

“At the national team level, you have three days to prepare for a match. It does not make sense to change all 23 players in each squad because you lose the core concepts,” he explained.

“We’ve maintained the commitment of very experienced players who love being part of the national team – Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Neves, Ruben Dias and Cristiano Ronaldo.”

At the same time, the Portuguese coach praised the emergence of young talents such as Vitinha, Joao Neves, Chico Conceicao, Pedro Neto and Renato Veiga.

“Youth football in Portugal is incredible and serves as an example for other countries. With just 11 million inhabitants, it manages to produce three to four top-level players every year,” Martinez concluded.

With his ban partially suspended, Ronaldo is now set to lead Portugal into the 2026 World Cup, including their Group K opener in Houston on June 17.