Portugal international manager, Roberto Martinez has explained why Cristiano Ronaldo is still being picked by Portugal at 40 years of age, with Ronaldo’s greatest attribute highlighted.
Ronaldo made his senior international debut in 2003, he continues to be selected by his country at 22 years later and has a number of records over the course of a quite stunning career.
The Al Nassr superstar has 217 caps to his name and 135 goals, making him the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football. There is the promise of more appearances and strikes to come, with CR7 showing no sign of slowing down.
He remains a talismanic presence for Portugal and Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, with it his intention to reach 1,000 career goals before giving any thought to retirement. With that target in mind, the plan is to grace the 2026 World Cup finals.
Portugal boss Martinez has told the Coaches Voice of why he continues to call upon the evergreen five-time Ballon d’Or winner: “When I talk about a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, I also evaluate him on the basis of these three key aspects. His talent is indisputable; he is one of the best in the history of football. His experience is also unique: the only player to play in six European Championships and to have more than 200 international matches.
“But what stands out the most is his commitment. His passion for representing Portugal is contagious and motivates the entire team. He is not in the team today for what he has been, but for what he continues to be: the top scorer with 17 goals in the 21 games we have played in two years.”
Martinez added: “The big dream with Portugal is to win the only title that this team is missing: the World Cup. It is not a question of avoiding pressure, but of assuming it with ambition. We want to find the balance between immediate success and building a project with a vision for the future.”
Ronaldo and Portugal are currently readying themselves for another shot at UEFA Nations League glory, with a two-legged quarter-final tie against Denmark fast approaching. Qualification for the 2026 World Cup is set to get underway for Martinez’s side in September
