The debate over soccer’s greatest player has defined the last two decades, and one question continues to dominate the conversation: can Cristiano Ronaldo be considered the greatest player of all time even without a World Cup title?
According to Roberto Martínez, the head coach of the Portugal national football team, the answer is simple. Ronaldo‘s legacy, he believes, does not depend on winning the sport’s biggest international tournament.
Ronaldo is expected to participate in what could be a historic sixth appearance at the FIFA World Cup this year, an achievement no other player has reached. His long career at the international level already includes appearances in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments. Across those competitions, he has played 22 matches, the fifth-highest total in World Cup history.
A question that shapes the GOAT debate
Yet one statistic often cited by critics continues to shape the GOAT debate. Ronaldo has never scored in a World Cup knockout-stage match. His eight goals in the tournament have all come during the group stage, including one in 2006, one in 2010, one in 2014, four in 2018 and one in 2022. Three of those goals came from the penalty spot.
Those numbers are frequently contrasted with the achievements of his longtime rival, Lionel Messi. The Argentine star cemented his legacy by leading Argentina national football team to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scoring twice in the final against France national football team.
Messi now holds the record for the most goal involvements in World Cup history with 21, including 13 goals and eight assists, and he is only three goals away from matching Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer. For many observers, that triumph in Qatar placed Messi firmly ahead in the GOAT conversation. The Argentine captain’s World Cup success is often viewed as the final piece of an already extraordinary career, strengthening the argument that he stands above Ronaldo in the historical rankings.
Not so fast, states Martinez
Martínez, however, believes Ronaldo‘s greatness goes beyond one tournament. Speaking on the Portugal Football Summit Podcast, the coach emphasized the dedication that has defined the forward’s career. “He will be the greatest player ever, whether he wins the World Cup or not,” Martínez said.
The coach pointed to Ronaldo‘s relentless work ethic as the defining trait that separates him from others. According to Martínez, the Portuguese star approaches every day with the goal of improving, a mentality that has allowed him to remain productive well into his 40s. His importance to Portugal remains significant.
Early in his career, he was known for explosive speed and dribbling on the wing. Now, at 41, he operates primarily as a central striker and finisher, using his positioning and experience to remain dangerous in front of goal. That longevity is one reason Martínez believes Ronaldo’s influence extends beyond statistics. The veteran’s presence in the locker room and training sessions provides a model for younger players entering the national team.
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