Cristiano Ronaldo Is The Greatest Ever, Says Roberto Martinez, World Cup Status Set Aside

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Roberto Martinez insists Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy does not depend on lifting the World Cup trophy, calling the Portugal captain the greatest player of all time. Ronaldo, now 41, continues to score heavily for the national team and remains central to Portugal’s plans as another World Cup campaign approaches.

Martinez highlighted Ronaldo’s recent output for Portugal, noting that the forward has struck 25 goals in the last 30 international matches. The Portugal head coach described that scoring run as a major asset for the squad, underlining how Ronaldo still shapes games while also guiding less experienced players within the group.

Portugal enter the next World Cup in Group K, where the Selecao will meet Uzbekistan and Colombia. The final opponent will come from a qualifying play-off route including DR Congo, Jamaica and New Caledonia, adding an extra layer of uncertainty to Portugal’s schedule and preparation for the tournament.

This tournament is set to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup, a figure that matches Lionel Messi and stands as a competition record. Despite such longevity, World Cup glory has eluded Ronaldo so far, adding context to debates about where the forward ranks among football’s greatest names.

Across the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Ronaldo has featured in 22 matches. That total places the forward fifth on the competition’s all-time appearances list. However, all eight of Ronaldo’s World Cup goals have arrived in group-stage fixtures rather than during knockout matches.

Ronaldo remains the only player to score in five different World Cups, with his tournament goals spread as follows.

The data highlights another trend. Three of Ronaldo’s World Cup goals have come from penalty kicks. By comparison, Messi has produced 21 goal contributions at World Cups, with 13 goals and eight assists. Messi is three goals short of Miroslav Klose’s record tally, after scoring twice against France in the 2022 final.

Asked whether Ronaldo must imitate Messi by winning the World Cup to secure greatest-ever status, Martinez gave a firm answer. "He will be the greatest player ever, whether he wins the World Cup or not." The Portugal head coach made clear that, in his view, tournaments will not define Ronaldo’s standing.

Martinez expanded on what Ronaldo offers beyond statistics and titles. "I have never worked with a player who, every morning, has this focus on using the day to improve." Martinez described how that attitude shapes the environment around Portugal’s squad during international camps and competitive windows.

The coach stressed Ronaldo’s influence on new arrivals within the national team structure. "If we could have Cristiano forever, it would be the easiest way to help younger players when they arrive in the national team." Martinez added a further line on that mindset: "His desire is to use every day to become better."

Since joining Al-Nassr at the end of 2022, Ronaldo has scored 94 goals in 97 Saudi Pro League appearances. Twenty of those strikes have come in 20 league games during the current season. That form in Saudi Arabia has supported Ronaldo’s continued selection for Portugal as a key attacking option.

Ronaldo’s international journey has also featured moments of setback. At the 2022 World Cup, then head coach Fernando Santos left Ronaldo out of the starting line-up for the last-16 match against Switzerland. Goncalo Ramos started instead and scored a hat-trick as Portugal recorded a 6-1 victory.

Despite that heavy win, Portugal fell in the quarter-finals, exiting in the following round. The decision to bench Ronaldo drew global attention, reinforcing the scrutiny that follows the forward. It also framed the challenge for Martinez, who took charge after that tournament and has since redefined Ronaldo’s role.

Martinez acknowledged the spotlight that surrounds the captain. "I think we need to accept that everyone in the world knows Cristiano Ronaldo and has an opinion," Martinez said. The coach added that the Ronaldo seen today differs from the teenager who first entered the Portugal squad over two decades earlier.

"But the Cristiano Ronaldo who joined the national team 21 years ago is not the same Cristiano he is now." Martinez explained how Ronaldo’s game has changed with age and experience, shifting away from wide roles. "Now, he's much more of a positional player, a striker."

Martinez defined Ronaldo’s present-day responsibilities in simple terms. "He's a player who, for us, is a finisher." The coach also pointed to Ronaldo’s historical status in international football. "He's the all-time leading scorer." According to Martinez, that combination of finishing ability and experience remains crucial for Portugal.

The Portugal boss concluded his assessment with a clear statement of value. "So, having a player who now has 25 goals in the last 30 games for the national team is a gift." With that level of production and an upcoming sixth World Cup, Ronaldo’s influence on Portugal’s campaign and historical debates appears secure.