For some, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a key figure in Portugal’s bid for the 2026 World Cup, while others believe his presence will prevent Roberto Martinez’s strong side from flourishing.
The debate over the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues, as it did at Euro 2024 and four years ago in Qatar – yet Ronaldo perseveres, ready to play a record sixth World Cup.
The 41-year-old remains an international superstar despite swapping Europe’s elite for Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, and is the men’s international top scorer with 143 goals.
With 25 of those matches coming in 30 games under Martinez, the coach insists that Ronaldo is chosen for quality rather than status.
The Spanish coach himself also faced pain after Portugal qualified for the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, with his opponents believing that the strong side could win.
Martinez started Ronaldo in all five games they played but the striker failed to find the back of the net in Germany.
