Portugal boss Roberto Martinez believes “no one should doubt” Cristiano Ronaldo‘s chances of featuring at the 2030 World Cup.
Ronaldo, who made his World Cup debut way back in 2006, is set to make his sixth appearance at the tournament this summer, with most expecting it to be the 41-year-old’s last.
The Al-Nassr forward continues to plunder goals for Portugal, and is his country’s record goalscorer with 143. He also holds the record for the most caps with 226. The World Cup is the one prize that has eluded Ronaldo, with the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star tasting glory at Euro 2016 and also helping Portugal twice win the UEFA Nations League.
There is a school of thought that, at this point in his career, that Portugal are a better team without Ronaldo in the side.
Egypt’s Essam El Hadary is the oldest player to feature at a World Cup, doing so at the age of 45 years and 161 days in 2018.
Martinez backs Ronaldo for 2030
Despite the sceptics, Martinez sees no reason to question Ronaldo’s ability to play at the age of 45 in 2030, when the World Cup will take place in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with some matches of the centenary tournament held in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
“No one should doubt that,” Martinez told Cadena SER when asked about Ronaldo attempting to play in 2030.
“He’s earned it.
“We would love to be able to pass on Cristiano Ronaldo’s model to all young footballers in Portugal because he is a role model.
“We, the [national team] coaching staff, have come to a conclusion: 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 possesses. Whatever Cristiano wins, the very next day he has the same hunger to improve.
“I have worked with many players that have won a Champions League or a Ballon d’Or and the next day they lose their appetite. What we have with Ronaldo is an example of a different mentality.
“I believe that having that goal is what allows for longevity. Of course, there is a genetic aspect, the work he puts in — he uses everything that can help his body — and his mentality.”
Portugal begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against DR Congo on June 17. They will then face Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K.
