Portugal’s head coach says talent, experience and attitude continue to make Ronaldo the first name on the Seleção team sheet
Roberto Martinez has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo continues to meet every requirement Portugal sets for selection despite his advanced age, and therefore remains a guaranteed starter for the national team.
Ronaldo will turn 41 in February but remains captain and a central figure in Martinez’s plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Portugal head coach said the decision to keep starting the Al-Nassr striker is based on what he described as three constant measures used by the coaching staff.
Ronaldo finished Portugal’s World Cup qualifying campaign with five goals in five appearances as the Seleção topped their group, winning four of six matches. He missed the final qualifier through suspension after being sent off against the Republic of Ireland, but Fifa later suspended part of his ban, allowing him to play in Portugal’s opening group game next summer.
Asked why Ronaldo continues to start for Portugal, Martinez told Marca that age alone is not a deciding factor.
“Attitude,” Martinez said. “There are three pillars that we constantly analyse: talent, experience, and the attitude he can bring to the Seleção.
“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. 25 goals in 30 games playing as a striker shows that what he does on the field contributes a lot to the national team.”
Martinez replaced Fernando Santos as Portugal manager in January 2023 and is approaching three years in the role. He said his focus has been on building stability in the long term rather than just making changes for the here and now.
“I always like to work with the idea of making decisions that will be valid for the next 20 years,” Martinez said. “It’s a responsibility we have. We’ve played 36 matches and have achieved a very good balance and great consistency.”
The Spaniard added that consistency in selection is essential at international level, where preparation time is limited.
“At the national team level, you have three days to prepare for a match,” Martinez said. “It doesn’t make sense to change all 23 players in each squad because you lose the core concepts.
“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, Cristiano Ronaldo.”
At the same time, Martinez said Portugal have begun integrating younger players alongside the established players.
“We’ve been able to pave the way for new talents who have come to win matches: Vitinha, Joao Neves, Chico Conceicao, Pedro Neto, Renato Veiga,” he said. “Youth football in Portugal is incredible and serves as an example for other countries.”
