Roberto Martínez says Cristiano Ronaldo 'will fight' for a place at the 2030 World Cup

Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has publicly refused to rule out Cristiano Ronaldo playing at the 2030 World Cup, saying the 41‑year‑old forward "will fight for it" and that the coaching staff have discussed his legacy and potential continued role. Martínez's comments were made in an interview carried by Spanish outlet El Larguero, quoted via World Soccer Talk.

Why it matters: a rare endorsement of longevity and legacy

Martínez's backing matters because Ronaldo remains one of Portugal's most influential figures and is widely expected to lead the line at the 2026 World Cup at age 41. An endorsement from the national coach signals that staff see value not only in Ronaldo's current output but also in the example he provides to younger players—an important consideration for squad planning and Portugal's long‑term identity.

What Martínez actually said

According to the World Soccer Talk report, Martínez said: "He will fight for it. I think no one should doubt that, at least he has earned that right." Martínez also emphasised that Ronaldo's situation is a topic of discussion within the coaching staff and that they would like to pass on his example to younger Portuguese players. Martínez stopped short of confirming Ronaldo will be selected for 2030, framing his remarks as respect for the player's career rather than a firm selection pledge.

Current form, contract and minutes management at Al Nassr

World Soccer Talk's piece notes Ronaldo has continued to excel as a goalscorer for Al Nassr and that his contract runs until 2027. The article also reports that Al Nassr have managed his minutes more carefully this season; Ronaldo played 3,164 minutes overall and was rested at times in the early stages of the AFC Champions League Two and in some Saudi Pro League away matches. That minute‑management context is presented as one factor that could make a longer international career feasible, though the decision will depend on Ronaldo's performances and his personal willingness to continue.

Portugal squad implications and World Cup prospects

The report says Portugal enter the 2026 World Cup as one of the tournament favourites, with players such as Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes named as squad members capable of elevating the team's collective play. In that setup, Ronaldo's role is described as primarily goalscoring, with the team structure potentially offering him a platform to produce an improved World Cup showing in 2026. World Soccer Talk highlights Ronaldo's previous World Cup record—22 matches and eight goals, with only the 2018 tournament yielding multiple goals (four)—and suggests the 2026 edition offers a chance to better that return.

• Roberto Martínez said Ronaldo "will fight for" a place at the 2030 World Cup and that staff discuss his legacy (source: World Soccer Talk quoting El Larguero).
• Ronaldo is 41 and is expected to start for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup (reported expectation).
• Ronaldo's Al Nassr contract runs until 2027 and the club has used minute management this season (3,164 minutes played; some AFC Champions League Two and away‑match rests).
• Ronaldo's World Cup record reported as 22 matches and eight goals, with four goals in 2018 being his most prolific tournament.

Limitations and what remains unclear

The original remarks were reported via World Soccer Talk quoting El Larguero; the article does not include a full transcript or link to the primary interview. There is no direct confirmation from Portugal's football federation or from Ronaldo himself about plans for 2030. The story therefore reflects Martínez's opinion and the facts cited by the report, not an official selection or Ronaldo's stated intentions.

What happens next: Martínez's comment leaves Ronaldo's long‑term international future open. Immediate next steps that would clarify the picture include the full El Larguero interview text, official statements from the Portuguese Football Federation on squad planning for 2026 and beyond, or comments from Ronaldo or his club. Until such sources confirm intentions, any selection for 2030 remains speculative.