Roberto Martínez: Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘hunger’ explains longevity as Portugal head to 2026 World Cup

Portugal manager Roberto Martínez says Cristiano Ronaldo’s continued top-level performance at age 41 is driven by an unchanging ‘hunger’, not by diet or trophies, as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner prepares for his sixth World Cup appearance in 2026. Martínez offered the assessment in an interview with El Larguero and suggested Ronaldo’s mindset — his drive to improve every day — is the key to his longevity.

Why it matters

Ronaldo is set to lead Portugal at the 2026 World Cup in Group K alongside DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia. As a leading figure in the squad and fresh off helping Al-Nassr win the Saudi Pro League title, his ability to remain effective at international level has major implications for Portugal’s tournament hopes and for the development of younger players within the national setup, according to Martínez.

Martínez pinpoints hunger, not diet, as Ronaldo’s edge

Speaking to El Larguero (as reported by World Soccer Talk), Martínez said the coaching staff have concluded Ronaldo does not play to win a specific title. Instead, Martínez said the defining characteristic behind Ronaldo’s longevity is his constant hunger: whatever he wins, ‘‘the next day he has the same hunger to improve.’’ Martínez added that the coach would not rule out Ronaldo appearing at another World Cup in 2030, saying nobody should doubt that prospect given what Ronaldo has achieved and how he approaches the game.

Role model for Portugal’s next generation

Martínez also described Ronaldo as an example for younger players coming through the Portugal system. The manager said he and his staff would like to pass on Ronaldo’s professionalism, discipline and work ethic to rising talent, noting that Ronaldo reportedly approaches training with the intensity and focus that marked the early years of his career.

• Roberto Martínez told El Larguero that Ronaldo’s longevity is down to ‘hunger’ rather than diet or specific titles.
• Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for his sixth World Cup with Portugal in 2026.
• Portugal are in Group K at the 2026 World Cup with DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
• Martínez described Ronaldo as a role model whose professionalism and discipline influence younger Portuguese players.
• Martínez said Ronaldo’s mentality leaves open the possibility of him appearing at the 2030 World Cup.

Context: Ronaldo’s recent form and Portugal’s World Cup group

World Soccer Talk’s report notes Ronaldo helped Al-Nassr secure the Saudi Pro League title before the World Cup and that Portugal will begin their 2026 campaign in Group K with DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia. Martínez’s comments frame Ronaldo’s presence in the squad as both a competitive asset and a leadership example for team development.

What it means and what happens next

Martínez’s remarks underline Portugal’s reliance on Ronaldo’s leadership and mentality going into the 2026 World Cup. While the manager stopped short of announcing any concrete plans about Ronaldo’s role in specific matches or tournaments beyond 2026, he emphasised that Ronaldo’s attitude is something the coaching staff want to instil in younger players. Verification of Martinez’s full interview transcript and any subsequent technical or squad announcements from the Portugal FA would be required for more detail.