Martinez Says No One Should Doubt Ronaldo Playing At 2030 World Cup

• Roberto Martinez believes Cristiano Ronaldo could still feature at the 2030 World Cup at the age of 45
• Ronaldo is preparing for a record sixth World Cup appearance with Portugal this summer
• Portugal’s coach praised Ronaldo’s mentality and hunger as the key to his longevity

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez says “no one” should doubt Cristiano Ronaldo’s ability to play at the 2030 World Cup despite the forward turning 45 during the tournament year.

Ronaldo is set to lead Portugal into this summer’s World Cup in North America, becoming the first man ever to appear in six World Cups.

And while many expect the tournament to be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage, Martinez believes writing Ronaldo off four years from now would be foolish.

“No one should doubt that,” Martinez told Cadena Ser when asked if Ronaldo could still feature at the 2030 World Cup.

“He’s earned it.”

Portugal will co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Morocco, raising the possibility that Ronaldo could appear at another tournament in front of home supporters.

At 41, Ronaldo continues to defy conventional expectations around age and elite performance.

He heads into this summer’s competition in excellent form after scoring 28 league goals to help Al Nassr win the Saudi Pro League title, his first domestic league triumph since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2022.

Martinez said Ronaldo’s mentality separates him from almost every other elite player he has worked with.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Ronaldo remains the all-time leading appearance maker and goalscorer in men’s international football with 226 caps and 143 goals for Portugal.

He is also the only player in history to score in five different World Cups.

Martinez believes Ronaldo’s obsession with improvement is the biggest reason he continues to compete at the highest level into his forties.

“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,” Martinez said.

“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 enter this summer’s World Cup among the strongest squads in the competition.

Alongside Ronaldo, Martinez can call upon the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, João Neves and Nuno Mendes as Portugal chase the first World Cup title in the nation’s history.

They begin their Group K campaign against DR Congo on June 17 before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia later in the month.

For Ronaldo, the tournament represents another opportunity to complete the one major honour missing from his career.

And if Martinez is right, it may not even be his last attempt.