At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be a key player in the World Cup; Martinez states that Ronaldo’s attitude secures his starting position.

By the time of the 2026 US-Canada-Mexico World Cup, Ronaldo will be 41 years old. Will he remain Portugal’s leading forward? The answer is definitely yes; it’s clear that Ronaldo will be a guaranteed starter for Portugal at the age of 41 in the World Cup.

Recently, Portugal’s head coach Martinez gave an in-depth interview to the Spanish newspaper Marca, focusing on Ronaldo’s position within the Portuguese national team.

Martinez said: Ronaldo’s attitude in training and matches determines everything; this is the fundamental reason he maintains a starting spot on the national team. As a forward, Ronaldo has scored 25 goals in 30 games, which clearly demonstrates his impact and tactical value. Ronaldo’s role on the pitch goes beyond scoring; he also draws defenders’ attention, creating space and scoring chances for other Portuguese players. Because a superstar like Ronaldo requires at least two defenders to mark him, this adds value beyond just his goals.

Martinez, who previously coached Belgium and favored veteran players like Hazard during the 2024 European Championship, is now in charge of Portugal’s national team. He plans to rely on veteran Ronaldo, aiming to win the 2025 UEFA Nations League and then lead Portugal in pursuit of the 2026 World Cup title.

We wish 41-year-old Ronaldo the best as he leads Portugal in the 2026 US-Canada-Mexico World Cup, hoping he lifts the World Cup trophy and joins the ranks of football legends. This will be Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance.