What's happened
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has stressed that Cristiano Ronaldo is judged on current form, not age, with a World Cup in North America approaching. Martinez says there is no starting-versus-finishing-team split and Ronaldo’s role will be determined by performance, training and tactical fit.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- Ronaldo is being assessed by the same merit-based criteria as every other player, not by legacy. This aligns with a modern approach where management weighs form, training output and tactical fit.
- Martinez highlights Ronaldo’s off-ball intelligence and movement, which continue to influence the team’s attacking patterns and space creation for teammates.
- The World Cup’s expanded substitutions mean players can be alternated in and out, reducing the emphasis on a fixed starting XI and increasing the importance of role flexibility.
- The narrative balances Ronaldo’s rarity as a record scorer with the practical reality that squad selection will reflect current value rather than status.
- Readers should expect continued updates as Portugal moves toward the tournament, with decisions driven by evidence from training and friendlies.
How we got here
Martinez has taken charge of Portugal and is evaluating Ronaldo’s place for 2026 based on daily form and contribution to team patterns, not past prestige. Ronaldo remains a captain figure whose on-pitch movements and space-opening runs are valued within the squad’s attacking framework.
Our analysis
Al Jazeera has reported that Martinez has said: ‘Age is only a number… Ronaldo’s place rests on merit’ and has highlighted his goals and movement within the national-team system. Reuters contributed context on the manager’s approach and emphasis on daily performance.
Go deeper
- Will Ronaldo accept a reduced on-pitch role if selected?
- How will substitutions shape Ronaldo’s involvement in Portugal’s World Cup matches?
- What other players are pushing for selection as competition for places increases?