Portugal's Martinez states Ronaldo will be evaluated by performance rather than years ahead of World Cup

Ronaldo might feature in his sixth World Cup as the event in North America approaches in under a month, an astonishing scenario for a footballer who has reshaped the sport's record books.

However, Martinez, in an interview with Reuters in Lisbon on Thursday, emphasised that Portugal is not preserving a symbol of former triumphs.

"We handle the version of Cristiano Ronaldo who represents the national side aiming to secure a spot for 2026, not the legendary icon," Martinez explained.

In Portugal, the discussion centres less on whether Ronaldo, the all-time leading international goalscorer with 143 strikes, merits inclusion and more on defining his contribution when matches are decided by fine margins.

For Martinez, the assessment is straightforward. Ronaldo as an athlete is judged by his contributions in sessions and matches for the squad.

"Age merely represents a figure," Martinez remarked. "In the national setup, we precisely track daily performances, and choices are made for the following day. We focus no further ahead than tomorrow."

Integrating Ronaldo effectively?

Regarding Ronaldo's deployment in a World Cup where outcomes hinge on changes, strategic adjustments, and extended play including overtime and shootouts, Martinez contended that contemporary football transcends viewing the initial eleven as the sole indicator of prominence.

"With five changes available now, it is akin to having an opening side and a closing one. No separation exists," he noted. "Various responsibilities apply, and Cristiano has consistently embraced his position."

The issue of Ronaldo adapting to a lesser involvement has persisted since the 2022 tournament, when previous manager Fernando Santos omitted him from the starting lineup against Switzerland following the last group fixture versus South Korea.

Martinez avoided making explicit comparisons across competitions, noting that conditions, approaches, and circumstances evolve. Yet he underlined that Ronaldo's inclusion, like that of all players, depends on achievement.

"Every individual in the national group operates equally, where strong performances and fulfilling duties to secure victories enhance their playing opportunities compared to lapses. It boils down to that," he stated.

Martinez portrayed Ronaldo as much more than a symbolic attendee. He highlighted 25 goals in 30 outings for Portugal during his tenure, surpassing the scoring rate from any prior national coach, and emphasised Ronaldo's impact in subtleties beyond statistics.

"He excels in those motions, sprints, creating gaps, dividing central defenders," Martinez described.

"He maintains discipline in optimal spots, consistently implementing our offensive strategies. This creates scoring chances for him, as seen, while also carving openings for teammates."

'Top-tier mindset'

Martinez asserted that discussions about Ronaldo should commence with metrics, practice, mindset, and strategic alignment, not years.

He attributed Ronaldo's endurance to not just bodily prowess, but to "that top-tier mindset" and a constant drive for enhancement.

What most impressed him upon assuming control was not Ronaldo's prestige, but his zeal.

"A person who has claimed every honour displays the drive of one yet to lift a prize," Martinez observed.

This drive, he continued, positions Ronaldo "as a key presence in the locker room, serving as captain and embodying the essence of national representation".

Martinez recognises the ongoing chatter. He mentioned that "every cab driver" holds views on Ronaldo, despite potentially missing recent appearances.

His responsibility, he affirmed, involves reviewing facts and selecting the lineup.

"Athletes always earn their field time through merit," Martinez said. "Should the setting indicate differently, it becomes a matter of natural choice."