Portugal boss Roberto Martinez believes no one should doubt Cristiano Ronaldos chances of featuring at the 2030 World Cup.Ronaldo, who made his World Cup debut way back in 2006, is set to make his sixth appearance at the tournament this summer, with most expecting it to be the 41-year-olds last.The Al-Nassr forward continues to plunder goals for Portugal, and is his countrys record goalscorer with 143. He also holds the record for the most caps with 226. The World Cup is the one prize that has eluded Ronaldo, with the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star tasting glory at Euro 2016 and also helping Portugal twice win the UEFA Nations League.There is a school of thought that, at this point in his career, that Portugal are a better team without Ronaldo in the side.Egypts Essam El Hadary is the oldest player to feature at a World Cup, doing so at the age of 45 years and 161 days in 2018.Martinez backs Ronaldo for 2030Despite the sceptics, Martinez sees no reason to question Ronaldos ability to play at the age of 45 in 2030, when the World Cup will take place in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with some matches of the centenary tournament held in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.No one should doubt that, Martinez told Cadena SER when asked about Ronaldo attempting to play in 2030.Hes earned it.We would love to be able to pass on Cristiano Ronaldos model to all young footballers in Portugal because he is a role model.We, the [national team] coaching staff, have come to a conclusion: Cristiano Ronaldo does not play to win a specific collective or individual title.Cristiano is not defined by what he eats, but by the hunger he possesses. Whatever Cristiano wins, the very next day he has the same hunger to improve.I have worked with many players that have won a Champions League or a Ballon dOr and the next day they lose their appetite. What we have with Ronaldo is an example of a different mentality.I believe that having that goal is what allows for longevity. Of course, there is a genetic aspect, the work he puts in he uses everything that can help his body and his mentality.Portugal begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against DR Congo on June 17. They will then face Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K. Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Messi included in Argentina World Cup squad after injury fears Nicholas McGee 29th May, 2026 Netherlands: Koeman leaves Liverpool defender out of World Cup squad Nicholas McGee 27th May, 2026 Good News for Argentina: Messi injury scan results revealed before World Cup Ben Miller 26th May, 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026: Full France fixtures, schedule, confirmed squad, next match, kick off times Ben Miller 26th May, 2026 How long is Lionel Messi out for? Latest news, 2026 FIFA World Cup update on emotional Argentina and Inter Miami icons injury Ben Miller 25th May, 2026 How long is Lamine Yamal out? Latest news, injury update and Barcelona and Spain wingers reaction to hamstring problem before 2026 FIFA World Cup Ben Miller 25th May, 2026
