Ronaldo judged on form not age for Portugal at World Cup, says Martinez

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has said that Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41 years old, will be judged on current form and not age as he prepares for what could be a record sixth World Cup appearance. Speaking to Reuters, Martinez insisted that the national team does not carry "a monument to past glory," but rather manages the player "trying to get into the squad for 2026, not the iconic figure."

"We manage the Cristiano Ronaldo that plays for the national team trying to get into the squad for 2026, not the iconic figure," Martinez said, as quoted by Al Jazeera. He added, "Age is only a number. Certainly, in the national team, we can measure exactly what's happening on the day, and you make the decisions for the next day. You never look any longer than the next day."

Ronaldo, who holds the record for most international goals with 143, has scored 25 goals in 30 appearances under Martinez's management, a better goals-per-game ratio than under any of his previous national-team coaches, according to Al Jazeera's report. The debate in Portugal, Al Jazeera notes, is less about whether Ronaldo belongs in the squad and more about what his role should be in high-stakes matches.

Martinez also addressed how Ronaldo will be used during the tournament, pointing to the expanded substitution rules. "Now we've got five substitutions. It's almost like we've got a starting team and a finishing team," he said, suggesting that the distinction between starters and substitutes has blurred in modern football.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera, which provided the reporting, covered both the squad announcement and Martinez's comments. One article focused on Ronaldo's age and role, while another detailed the full squad selection, including the honorary inclusion of the late Diogo Jota. Both pieces carried direct quotes from Martinez and maintained a neutral, informative tone.

Key Claims

  • Ronaldo's age and form: At 41, Ronaldo could play in his sixth World Cup. Martinez says he is assessed on current form, not age or past achievements.
  • Ronaldo's scoring record: Under Martinez, Ronaldo has scored 25 goals in 30 international appearances, with a better goals-per-game ratio than under any previous Portugal coach, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • Squad selection: Portugal's 27-man squad includes four goalkeepers, with Ricardo Velho as a fourth-choice keeper who can only join the official 26-man list if another keeper is injured, per Al Jazeera.
  • Honorary "plus one": Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in July last year at age 28, was named as an honorary squad member. Martinez called him "our strength, our joy" and said his spirit is the "+1" of the squad.
  • World Cup schedule: Portugal open their Group K campaign against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 17 in Houston, followed by matches against Uzbekistan on June 23 and Colombia on June 27 in Miami, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Perspectives

Martinez's comments reflect a pragmatic approach to selection, emphasizing current performance and adaptability. The inclusion of Diogo Jota as an honorary member highlights the emotional dimension of the squad. Meanwhile, the public debate in Portugal, as described by Al Jazeera, focuses on how best to deploy Ronaldo in critical matches, balancing his legendary status with tactical considerations.