Cristiano Ronaldo does not have “long-term goals” anymore, but Roberto Martinez says the Portuguese GOAT is still “hungry to be the best”.
Evergreen frontman still going strong at 40Hoping to grace the 2026 World Cup finalsInternational coach has full faith in GOATFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Having enjoyed a standing at the top of world football across two decades, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo is reluctant to take any backwards steps despite now being 40 years of age. He remains a talismanic presence for his country and with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
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Goals continue to flow for CR7 at a prolific rate, with another brace being bagged in a 5-0 victory for Portugal over Armenia in their latest 2026 World Cup qualifier. His record-setting tally of international efforts has been taken to 140 and counting.
WHAT MARTINEZ SAID
There is the promise of more to come, with retirement seemingly still some way off. Martinez continues to find a prominent role for Ronaldo in his plans, with a born winner continuing to defy sporting logic.
Portugal boss Martinez has said of his skipper: “He lives day to day like a young player playing for the first time. The way he dedicates himself, the freshness he has every day. He's a winner. He's hungry to be the best.
“The World Cup? He's doing the best he can, he doesn't have long-term goals. He wants to be the best every day. His focus is on the day to day.”
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Martinez added on Ronaldo remaining an inspiration to the next generation of talent in Portugal and millions of followers around the world: “I've already talked a lot about what he conveys, but these aren't aspects of the future, they're aspects of everyday life. What it means to wear the [Portugal] jersey is the captain's message in the locker room; it helps a lot.”