Cristiano Ronaldo is the only men’s player to score a goal in five different World Cups. File Photo by Chris Brunskill/UPI | License Photo
Soccer fans shouldn’t rule out watching a 45-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo playing in the 2030 World Cup, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said.
Martinez made the comments during an appearance on Cadena Ser radio. Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time leader in appearances (226) and goals (143), is set to play on the World Cup for a record sixth time.
“No one should doubt that,” Martinez said, when asked about Ronaldo’s chances to play in the 2030 tournament.
“He’s earned it.”
Ronaldo, 41, has not said when he will retire. He is the only men’s player to score a goal in five different World Cups. The star striker is signed with Saudi club Al-Nassr through 2027.
Portugal sits at No. 5 in the FIFA world rankings and owns the sixth-best odds to win the 2026 World Cup. The Portuguese will host Chile in a friendly June 6 in Oeiras. They will host Nigeria in another friendly June 10 in Leiria.
Ronaldo and Portugal will start their World Cup run with a Group K meeting with the Democratic Republic of the Kongo on June 17 in Houston.
Ronaldo helped Portugal reach the quarterfinals at the 2022 World Cup. Portugal advanced to the semifinals and finished fourth at the 2006 World Cup for Ronaldo’s first and best run at the tournament.
“We, the [Portugal] 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.”
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a look at recent winners
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with the FIFA World Cup trophy after Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup Final win — its third tournament trophy — at Lusail Stadium in Lusail City, Qatar, on December 18, 2022. Photo by Chris Brunskill/UPI | License Photo
