Cristiano Ronaldo’s standing as one of football’s greatest players should not be judged solely on World Cup success, according to Portugal manager Roberto Martinez.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Martinez has stressed that lifting football’s most prestigious trophy would be a remarkable achievement, but it is not the defining measure of Ronaldo‘s career. The Spanish coach believes Ronaldo‘s influence and legacy in the game are already unparalleled.
At 41, Ronaldo is preparing for what could be a record sixth World Cup appearance. Despite an illustrious career filled with domestic and European titles, and five Ballon d’Or awards, he has yet to win football’s ultimate tournament-a fact often cited in debates about his place in history.
Martinez, however, says that focusing on this one trophy underestimates Ronaldo‘s contributions and achievements throughout his career.
From his debut with Portugal’s national team to his current leadership role, Ronaldo has consistently surpassed expectations. Martinez emphasized on the Portugal Football Summit podcast: “He’ll be the greatest player ever, whether he wins the World Cup or not.”
For Martinez, Ronaldo’s legacy is about more than silverware; it encompasses longevity, consistency, and the ability to adapt and dominate in various contexts over two decades.
Training with Ronaldo daily, Martinez has witnessed the extraordinary dedication and professionalism that sets him apart. He highlighted Ronaldo‘s relentless focus on improvement, explaining that the superstar uses every day as an opportunity to get better.
“If we could have Cristiano forever, it would be the easiest way to help younger players when they arrive at the national team,” Martinez added, underlining how Ronaldo‘s work ethic serves as a model for emerging talent.
Ronaldo has often been compared to other football icons, including Lionel Messi, who has won the World Cup with Argentina.
Yet Martinez believes measuring greatness by a single tournament is unfair to players who have excelled across leagues, competitions, and decades. Ronaldo‘s career is defined not only by his goals and trophies but also by his influence on teammates and his ability to inspire future generations.
Ronaldo’s legacy beyond the trophy cabinet
While Portugal will certainly aim for World Cup glory in 2026, Martinez insists the focus should remain on preparation, tactical awareness, and continuous improvement-values that helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League.
Ronaldo‘s role as a mentor, motivator, and goal scorer extends beyond the pitch. His record as the national team’s all-time leading scorer, with 25 goals in the last 30 matches, exemplifies his ongoing impact.
As the world turns its attention to North America for the next World Cup, Martinez‘s message is clear: Ronaldo‘s greatness is already secure.
Winning the tournament would be a bonus, but it is not what cements his status as one of football’s all-time legends.
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