Portugal coach Roberto Martinez declared that no one should doubt Cristiano Ronaldo could play at the 2030 World Cup when he turns 45. The 41‑year‑old will enter the 2026 tournament in North America as a record‑holding sixth World Cup participant, having scored 143 goals in 226 appearances for Portugal and remaining a national icon.

Ronaldo’s return to form followed a 28‑goal haul that helped Al Nassr win the Saudi Pro League title in 2025, his first league crown since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2022. Martinez praised the striker’s hunger, noting he never settles after a triumph and that his mentality fuels his longevity for the national team’s upcoming fixtures.

Portugal will kick off their World Cup campaign against DR Congo on June 17, then face Uzbekistan on June 23, before a final Group K clash with Colombia on June 27. The squad’s performance will hinge on Ronaldo’s fitness and the coaching staff’s strategy to leverage his experience while preparing for the intense group stage and potential knockout rounds ahead.

Martinez’s comments underscore that Ronaldo’s drive transcends titles; he is a role model for young Portuguese players. With his record longevity, the 41‑year‑old’s participation would set a new benchmark for endurance in international football, proving that age can be secondary to determination and that a career can thrive beyond conventional limits for generations to come.