JAKARTA - Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said no one should doubt that Cristiano Ronaldo could appear at the 2030 World Cup when he is 45.
Ronaldo will make his sixth appearance at the World Cup when he leads Portugal in this summer's tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Portugal will host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Morocco.
Asked if Ronaldo, who has given no indication when he will retire from football, could play at the 2030 World Cup, Martinez did not doubt at all.
"No one should doubt it. He deserves it," Martinez told radio station Cadena Ser.
Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal in 2003 and is the most capped player of all time (226 appearances) and the highest scorer (143 goals) for the men's national team. He is also the only player to score in five World Cups.
"We would like to pass on the example of Cristiano Ronaldo to all young football players in Portugal because he is a role model," said Martinez.
Ronaldo, 41, entered this summer's tournament with confidence after scoring 28 goals to help Al Nassr win the Saudi Pro League title.
This is his first league title since arriving in Saudi Arabia in 2022. Ronaldo's different mentality compared to other stars is what most impressed Martinez.
"We, the coaching staff (Portugal National Team), have come to the conclusion that Cristiano Ronaldo does not play to win a specific collective or individual title."
"Cristiano is not defined by what he eats, but by the hunger he has. Whatever Cristiano wins, the next day he has the same hunger to improve himself."
"I have worked with many players who have won the Champions League or the Ballon d'Or and the next day they lose their appetite. What we have in Ronaldo is an example of a different mentality."
"I believe that having a goal is what allows for longevity. Of course, there is the genetic aspect, the hard work he does, and his mentality. He uses everything that can help his body," said Martinez.
Portugal begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo on June 17 before facing Uzbekistan on June 23. Their final game in Group K is against Colombia on June 27.
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