Martinez defends Ronaldo's World Cup place on merit, not reputation

Cristiano Ronaldo will line up for Portugal against DR Congo on June 17 when they open their 2026 World Cup campaign in North America, with head coach Roberto Martinez making clear the 41-year-old’s selection is earned on present-day numbers rather than past prestige.

Speaking to FourFourTwo, Martinez was unequivocal about Ronaldo’s role and his standing within the squad. “For us, Cristiano’s role is very specific and very clear,” he said. “He’s our primary goalscorer. He opens up space brilliantly with his movement inside the box — the timing, the positioning, the runs he makes across defenders are among the best in the world, even now.”

The former Everton and Belgium manager pointed to a statistical record that he argues removes any ambiguity. “He’s scored 25 goals in 30 matches under my management. The numbers make the argument for him. Our standard for selection is identical for every single player, and it’s very high. Cristiano meets it. He’s not in the squad because of what he was, but because his present form earns it every time.”

Beyond the goals, Martinez highlighted the value Ronaldo brings in high-pressure situations. “He also brings experience in decisive moments that nobody else in the squad can match, because none have lived what he has in the number of decisive games he’s played over his career.”

Ronaldo enters the tournament with 226 international caps, having made his debut in 2002 — before several of his current teammates, including midfielder João Neves, were born. Martinez described the generational span as almost unprecedented at this level of international football.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has been wearing the shirt since 2003. There are players in our current squad who were born in 2004,” Martinez said. “That generational span is almost unprecedented in international football at this level. What’s wonderful is that the ball equalises everything.”

The tournament in North America will be Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup and 12th major tournament overall, a milestone that underlines the extraordinary longevity of a career that shows little sign of concluding on the international stage. His commitment, Martinez stressed, remains as relevant as his record. “His commitment to Portugal is total, absolute and strong even today — not historical. That’s why he remains our captain.”