Roberto Martinez, the head coach of the Portugal national football team, has expressed his belief that Cristiano Ronaldo, who is now 41 years old, could still be active in the sport beyond the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a recent interview, Martinez underscored that Ronaldo remains a crucial part of the team, earning his position through his on-field performance instead of relying solely on his past reputation.
He stated, "I have always believed that it is the body that dictates when a player chooses to retire, but largely it is a mental decision. Cristiano has yet to make that choice, despite being in his 40s."
Martinez further elaborated that success at this level hinges not only on talent but predominantly on a player’s mindset and their resilience in facing challenges.
The coach also pointed out that many individuals tend to evaluate Ronaldo based on his historical accomplishments rather than acknowledging his current abilities.
He mentioned, "A significant error is judging him by his past performance instead of how he contributes today. Following the European Championship, there were claims that Portugal's failure was due to Ronaldo's involvement. Yet, after we claimed victory in the Nations League, the focus shifted to discussions surrounding what Portugal's future looks like post-Ronaldo's career."
Through these comments, Martinez is advocating for a fair assessment of Ronaldo, as he continues to prove himself on the pitch.
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