"He Has Earned It": Portugal Coach Backs Ronaldo for 2030 World Cup at 45

"He has earned it": Portugal coach on Ronaldo playing 2030 FIFA World Cup

Lisbon, May 29

In a bid for his maiden World Cup title, the only title which is left to win for him, the 41-year-old will be making a record-breaking sixth FIFA World Cup appearance this year, having made his tournament debut back in 2004. Portugal is the co-host of the 2030 edition with Spain and Morocco. Champion or not, the prospect of playing a home World Cup would undoubtedly be a special one for Cristiano.

Asked if Ronaldo, who has not given any indications of football retirement after this year's marquee tournament, would feature in the 2030 World Cup, Martinez said to Cadena Ser Radio as quoted by ESPN, "No one should doubt that. He is earned it."

Ronaldo made his debut in national colours back in 2003 and, since then, has emerged as their top goal-scorer (143 goals) and has featured in 226 matches, the most for his side. He is also the only footballer to have scored a goal in all the World Cups he has played.

"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," Martinez said.

Ronaldo, 41, will be heading into the tournament with a lot of confidence after scoring 28 goals in the Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League title win, which also marks his first major title with the club since arriving to Saudi Arabia back in 2022.

Ronaldo's mindset is what impresses the coach, saying that he does not play to win a specific title, be it individual or collective, but is defined by the hunger he has for improvement.

"We, the [national team] coaching staff, have come to a conclusion: Cristiano Ronaldo does not play to win a specific collective or individual title," Martinez 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."

"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. What we have with Ronaldo is an example of a different mentality," he said.

"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," he signed off.

Portugal will start their campaign against DR Congo on June 17, before playing Uzbekistan on June 23, and their last group stage game will be against Colombia on June 27.

— ANI