Cristiano Ronaldo Remains Indispensable for Portugal Despite Injury

Martinez emphasized Ronaldo’s influence both on and off the pitch, noting his exemplary leadership and unmatched goal-scoring record.

"Cristiano is our captain, a role model and a player with a real hunger," Martinez said.

"He's not just a 41-year-old player; he's a player who's hungry to improve every day. He's proving to be an exemplary captain and an inspiration to the younger players, someone who shows the way and embodies our values.

"And on the pitch, he's scored 25 goals in the last 30 games. We assess the players on a day-to-day basis, session by session, and the standards in the national team are the highest for everyone."

Ronaldo missed Portugal’s recent World Cup warm-up games against Mexico and the United States due to a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Saudi Pro League leaders Al Nassr on 28 February. Despite being sidelined, Ronaldo’s presence and experience remain crucial to Portugal’s squad.

Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal continues to hold the men’s all-time international scoring record, with 143 goals in 226 appearances since his debut in 2003. When questioned about his retirement, Martinez admitted:

"The end of his career? We don't know. It's hard to say. I've quickly learned not to try and predict the future with Cristiano. He focuses on being the best he can be right now. He doesn't make plans for the future."

At 41, Ronaldo remains a major goal threat and a key leader, proving that age has not diminished his competitive edge. Portugal’s success in the upcoming Ronaldo World Cup campaign will rely heavily on the fitness and performance of their legendary captain.