Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has firmly dismissed the notion that Cristiano Ronaldo’s longevity at the highest level is driven by financial gain or a desire for more personal honors. Speaking in a recent interview, Martinez offered a detailed insight into the mindset of the 41-year-old forward as the 2026 World Cup approaches.

“Cristiano does not play for money, he does not play for titles, he plays to improve. And that is incredible,” Martinez told Antena 1. The statement goes to the heart of what has kept Ronaldo at the pinnacle of football for more than two decades. While many players in their late 30s wind down their careers, Ronaldo continues to chase perfection with a ferocity that Martinez believes is unmatched.

A Career Built on Constant Improvement

Ronaldo’s trophy cabinet includes five Ballon d’Or awards, multiple Champions League titles, league championships in England, Spain, and Italy, and the European Championship with Portugal in 2016. He is also the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football. Yet Martinez insists that Ronaldo’s internal drive is not about adding to these numbers.

“Cristiano Ronaldo can win the Champions League, the Golden Shoe, and the day after Cristiano tries to improve,” Martinez added. “That attitude is what separates him from almost every other player. He doesn’t rest on his achievements. He immediately looks for the next challenge, the next way to get better.”

This relentless pursuit of improvement has been a hallmark of Ronaldo’s career since his early days at Sporting CP. His move to Manchester United at age 18 was driven by ambition, not money. At United, he transformed from a raw winger into a goal-scoring phenomenon under Sir Alex Ferguson. His subsequent transfers to Real Madrid and Juventus were strategic moves to test himself in new environments, always seeking to elevate his game.

The Hunger That Defines a Legend

Martinez used the word “hunger” repeatedly when describing Ronaldo’s mindset. It is a quality that cannot be measured by statistics or performance metrics. “It is unique to have a journey of 22 years for the National Team, the number of games he is playing, there is no other player. It is the hunger,” Martinez said. “We can measure everything from a player, but it is an aspect that is not possible.”

Ronaldo made his senior debut for Portugal in 2003, at age 18. Now, 23 years later, he remains an integral part of the squad, preparing for what could be his sixth World Cup campaign. His longevity is unprecedented in the modern game, especially for an outfield player. The physical demands of top-level football usually force forwards to retire or drop to lower leagues by their late 30s. Ronaldo, however, continues to compete at the highest level, playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia while maintaining his place in Portugal’s setup.

Martinez’s comments directly counter the narrative that Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia was solely about money. While the financial package is enormous, Martinez argues that Ronaldo’s primary motivation remains improvement. In Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has continued to break records, including becoming the first player to score goals in four different decades in the Saudi Pro League. He also remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and a key figure in the dressing room.

Role in Portugal’s 2026 World Cup Plans

With the World Cup set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Ronaldo’s inclusion in the squad has been a topic of debate. Some critics argue that Portugal should build for the future without him, but Martinez sees Ronaldo’s experience and drive as indispensable. “He has earned everything, but he still wants more. That sends a message to the younger players that complacency is not an option,” Martinez said.

Portugal’s squad is filled with young talent like João Félix, Rafael Leão, and Vitinha, but Martinez believes that Ronaldo’s presence pushes them to higher standards. “When a player of his stature trains with that intensity every day, it raises the level of everyone around him. He doesn’t ask for special treatment; he demands excellence from himself and others,” the manager added.

Ronaldo’s role may evolve as the tournament approaches. He may not start every game, but his ability to influence matches from the bench or as a focal point of attack remains valuable. His record in World Cups is impressive: he has scored goals in every edition he has played, and he holds the record for the most goals in European Championship history. However, a World Cup title remains elusive for Portugal. Ronaldo came close in 2006 when Portugal reached the semifinals, but they have not advanced beyond the round of 16 since then.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was a disappointment for Portugal. They were knocked out in the quarterfinals by Morocco, a shocking result. Ronaldo was largely ineffective in that tournament, and questions arose about his future with the national team. However, under Martinez, who took over after the World Cup, Ronaldo has been rejuvenated. He scored crucial goals in Euro 2024 qualifying and remains a central figure in Martinez’s tactical plans.

Context of a 22-Year Journey

Ronaldo’s international career spans five generations of Portuguese footballers. He played alongside legends like Luís Figo and Deco in his early years, then with players like Pepe and João Moutinho during his prime, and now with the next generation. No other male player has represented their national team for such a sustained period. The physical and mental toll of international travel, different coaches, and evolving tactics would have broken most players, but Ronaldo continues to adapt.

Martinez pointed out that Ronaldo’s love for the game is genuine. “He comes to training with the same enthusiasm as a young player trying to make the team. That honesty in his work is why he can still play at this level,” Martinez said.

Some have questioned whether Ronaldo’s intensity sometimes creates tension within the squad. There have been rumors of disagreements with teammates and coaches in the past. But Martinez insists that the environment under his leadership is positive. “Cristiano is a competitive person, and sometimes that competitiveness can be misunderstood. But he is a team player who wants to win for Portugal. His teammates respect him because they see the effort he puts in every day,” Martinez explained.

The Numbers Behind the Motivation

While Martinez argues that Ronaldo’s motivation is not about numbers, the statistics are staggering. Ronaldo has over 200 international goals, more than 850 career goals, and holds the record for most appearances in the Champions League. He has been the world’s highest-paid athlete multiple times, yet he continues to train with the dedication of a rookie. In the current Saudi Pro League season, Ronaldo has scored 35 goals in 31 appearances, showing that his physical ability remains elite.

Martinez also dismissed the idea that Ronaldo’s presence hinders the development of younger strikers. “Having a player like Cristiano in the squad is a learning opportunity for any young forward. They can watch how he prepares, how he recovers, how he positions himself in the box. That education is priceless,” Martinez said.

As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, Martinez’s comments serve as a reminder that Ronaldo’s story is far from over. While many players his age have retired or moved into coaching, Ronaldo is still hungry for improvement. Whether his ultimate goal is another Champions League win, a World Cup trophy, or simply personal mastery, the answer from Martinez is clear: Ronaldo plays because he loves to improve.

“We can measure everything from a player, but this aspect—hunger—is not possible. He has it, and that is why he is still here,” Martinez concluded.

Source: Yahoo Sports News