Roberto Martinez Opens Up On Coaching Cristiano Ronaldo As Portugal Star Eyes World Cup Glory

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has offered a rare glimpse into what it is like to work with Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the veteran forward remains central to his plans not because of past glories, but because of his current form.

The Spaniard, formerly in charge of the Belgium national football team, told the BBC that managing Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, has been straightforward due to the standards he sets for himself.

“It is very easy because he had high standards, he expected the work to be done properly, and he really cared about the game. He really is a perfect example of how someone should act to represent Portugal and the national team,” the coach said.

“Now he’s adjusted, obviously, after spending 21 years in the national team. He’s a goal scorer, he’s a key player for us, and it’s who he is right now that matters to me. As a national team coach, a player who has scored 25 goals in the past 30 international matches.

“It’s not because of what he did before that he’s playing, but because of what he’s doing right now.”

Martinez’s tenure with Portugal has brought stability and silverware. After replacing Fernando Santos, whose side exited the 2022 tournament at the quarter-final stage, he has overseen 27 victories in 36 matches.

That run included lifting the UEFA Nations League in 2025, with Portugal defeating Spain in the final. It marked the first major trophy of Martinez’s reign and reinforced Ronaldo’s enduring influence in the squad.

When Will Cristiano Ronaldo Retire?

Speculation around Ronaldo’s retirement has followed him for several seasons, yet Martinez believes the decision will be entirely in the player’s hands.

“Well, we got all the stats. If you were analysing a player who is dropping in terms of physical ability, that’s not the situation. His physical abilities are those of a player who can keep going and going and going. I think it’s more about when he’ll feel it’s the right time,” the Spanish tactician said.

“I believe he is a player who is really hard on himself. When he realises he can’t help the team anymore, he’ll be the one to decide when to stop.”

Ronaldo’s professional journey began at Sporting CP in 2002 before a move to Manchester United propelled him onto the global stage. Now at Al-Nassr FC in the Saudi Pro League, he remains under contract until 2027 after signing a new deal last summer.

Away from international duty, Ronaldo has rejoined the Al-Nassr squad ahead of Saturday’s Saudi Pro League meeting with Al-Fateh SC.

The forward had missed two league fixtures against Al-Riyadh SC and Al-Ittihad Club amid reported tensions linked to the Saudi Public Investment Fund. He also did not travel for the AFC Champions League Two tie against FK Arkadag in Turkmenistan.

Ronaldo travelled with the squad to Al-Hofuf for the fixture at the Maydan Tamweel Aloula Stadium. Al-Nassr will hope his return sharpens their title push as they attempt to close the gap on leaders Al-Hilal SFC.