Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has firmly rejected the notion that Cristiano Ronaldo remains in international football for financial gain or personal accolades as the country gears up for the 2026 World Cup. In an interview with Portuguese radio station Antena 1, Martinez made it clear that the 41-year-old forward's motivation stems from an unrelenting desire to improve, not from external rewards.

"Cristiano does not play for money, he does not play for titles, he plays to improve. And that is incredible," Martinez said. "Cristiano Ronaldo can win the Champions League, the Golden Shoe, and the day after Cristiano tries to improve."

The remarks come at a pivotal moment for Portugal's national team, which is preparing for the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo, who made his international debut in 2003, is approaching his sixth World Cup appearance, a testament to his remarkable longevity.

Martinez on Ronaldo's Motivation

Martinez's comments addressed a recurring question about Ronaldo: why does he continue playing at such a high level after achieving almost everything possible in football? At 41, Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Or awards, five Champions League titles, and led Portugal to victory at Euro 2016 and the inaugural Nations League in 2019. He holds the record for most international goals (over 130) and most men's international appearances (over 210). Critics often suggest that his move to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League was financially motivated, but Martinez insists that the drive remains purely competitive.

"It is unique to have a journey of 22 years for the National Team, the number of games he is playing, there is no other player. It is the hunger," Martinez added. "We can measure everything from a player, but it is an aspect that is not possible."

That "hunger" is central to understanding Ronaldo's career. Even after winning the European Championship, he did not rest on his laurels. Instead, he continued to set new benchmarks, becoming the first men's player to score in five European Championships and later surpassing Ali Daei's international goals record. Martinez's point is that Ronaldo's obsession with self-improvement sets him apart from even the most decorated athletes.

Ronaldo's Record-Breaking Career

To appreciate Martinez's defense, one must look at the sheer scale of Ronaldo's career. He began at Sporting CP before moving to Manchester United, where he won three Premier League titles and his first Champions League. A then-world-record transfer to Real Madrid followed, where he became the club's all-time leading scorer with 450 goals. After stints at Juventus and a return to Manchester United, he joined Al Nassr in 2023, where he has continued to score prolifically.

At international level, Ronaldo has been the face of Portugal's golden generation. He debuted at Euro 2004 as a teenager, crying after the final loss to Greece. Twenty years later, he is still the captain and most influential figure. He has scored in every major tournament he has played, with memorable moments like the hat-trick against Spain in 2018 and the overhead kick against Juventus in the Champions League.

What makes his longevity extraordinary is that he has adapted his game. While he can no longer beat defenders with sheer pace, he has developed into a lethal penalty-box finisher and a leader who orchestrates attacks. Martinez acknowledged this evolution: "Cristiano's role has changed, but his commitment to the team and his desire to be the best version of himself every day remains unchanged."

The Unquenchable Hunger

Martinez's emphasis on Ronaldo's hunger is not just coach-speak. It reflects a personality that is well-documented. Ronaldo is known for his fanatical training regimen, strict diet, and recovery methods that include cryotherapy and hyperbaric chambers. He has often said that his biggest competitor is himself, always striving to beat his own records.

In 2022, after a disappointing World Cup in Qatar where Portugal lost in the quarterfinals to Morocco, many speculated that Ronaldo might retire from international football. Instead, he committed to the 2026 cycle, helping Portugal qualify with crucial goals. His performance in Euro 2024, where Portugal reached the semifinals, proved he could still deliver on the biggest stage.

"It's not just about winning another trophy," said a sports psychologist who has studied elite athletes. "For someone like Ronaldo, the process of improvement itself is the reward. The daily grind, the satisfaction of getting 1% better, that's what keeps them going."

Portugal's World Cup Ambitions

Portugal enters the 2026 World Cup with a squad full of talent: Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, João Félix, and Rúben Dias, among others. Martinez took over after the 2022 World Cup and has built a system that accommodates Ronaldo's strengths while allowing younger players to flourish. In qualifiers, Portugal has been dominant, and the team is considered one of the favorites for the tournament in North America.

Ronaldo's role may vary throughout the tournament. He has started most matches under Martinez but has also shown he can impact games from the bench. His experience and leadership in the dressing room are invaluable. When the team trails late in a knockout game, there is no one more dangerous in the air or from set pieces.

Martinez's vote of confidence is significant. When he took over, there was debate about whether Portugal should move on from Ronaldo to build for the future. Instead, Martinez integrated him into a system that uses his intelligence and positioning. "Cristiano is not just a player; he is a symbol of what Portuguese football can achieve," he said.

The 2026 World Cup will likely be Ronaldo's last. But if his career is any indication, he will use every day leading up to it to prove he still belongs. As Martinez concluded in the interview, "The hunger is there. You cannot measure it, but you can see it in everything he does."

Ronaldo's own words from a recent interview mirror Martinez's sentiment: "I don't play for records. I play because I love the game and I want to be the best I can be, every single day." That mindset, more than any contract or trophy, is what drives one of the greatest players in history as he prepares for one final World Cup campaign.

Source: Yahoo Sports News