Cristiano Ronaldo’s status as one of the world’s greatest players should not be judged solely on his success at the World Cup, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez said.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Martinez insists that while lifting football’s most prestigious trophy will be an amazing achievement, it will not define Ronaldo’s career. The Spanish coach believes that Ronaldo’s influence and achievements in the game are already unparalleled.
Ronaldo, 41, is preparing for his 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 discussions of his place in history.
However, Martinez says focusing on this one trophy underestimates Ronaldo’s contributions and achievements throughout his career.
From his debut with the Portugal national team to his current coaching role, Ronaldo has always exceeded expectations. “Regardless of whether he wins the World Cup or not, he will be the best player of all time,” Martínez stressed on the Portugal Football Summit podcast.
For Martinez, Ronaldo’s legacy is about more than silverware. This includes longevity, consistency, and the ability to adapt and dominate in different situations over two decades.
Martínez, who trains with Ronaldo every day, has witnessed the extraordinary dedication and professionalism that sets him apart. He highlighted Ronaldo’s constant focus on improvement, explaining that the superstar uses every day as an opportunity to get better.
“If we can keep Cristiano forever, it would be the easiest way to help young players when they arrive at the national team,” Martinez added, highlighting how Ronaldo’s work ethic sets an example for emerging talents.
Ronaldo is often compared to other soccer icons, such as Lionel Messi, who won the World Cup with Argentina.
But Martinez believes measuring greatness in a single tournament is unfair to players who have excelled across leagues, conferences and decades. Ronaldo’s career is defined not only by his goals and trophies, but also by his influence on his teammates and his ability to inspire future generations.
Ronaldo’s legacy beyond the trophy cabinet
While Portugal will no doubt aim for World Cup glory in 2026, Martinez insists the emphasis must remain on the preparation, tactical awareness and continuous improvement values that helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League.
Ronaldo’s role as a coach, motivator and goalscorer extends beyond the pitch. His record as the national team’s all-time leading scorer with 25 goals in his last 30 games demonstrates his continued influence.
As the world turns its attention to North America for the next World Cup, Martinez’s message is clear. Ronaldo’s greatness is already stable.
Winning the tournament would be a bonus, but it would not cement his place as one of the legends in soccer history.
