The numbers make the argument for Cristiano Ronaldo. Hes not in the squad because of what he was, but because his present form earns it every time Roberto Martinez on the Portuguese icons World Cup selection

Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterWhen Portugal kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign against DR Congo on Wednesday, June 17, Cristiano Ronaldo will be one of the first names on Roberto Martinezs teamsheet.This summers tournament in North America will be the former Real Madrid and Manchester United icons sixth World Cup and 12th major tournament, with the 41-year-olds influence on the Portuguese side showing little sign of waning.And according to Martinez, Ronaldos inclusion is not based on reputation and past glories, but on performances.Martinez on Ronaldos place in his Portugal squadFourFourTwo's World Cup Wallchart - GET IT HERE!Large A1 Football Wall Chart with Space for Scores and Predictions: Designed for easy viewing and interaction with room to write results and build predictionsView DealFor us, Cristianos role is very specific and very clear, Martinez insists to FourFourTwo. Hes our primary goalscorer.He opens up space brilliantly with his movement inside the box the timing, the positioning, the runs he makes across defenders are among the best in the world, even now. You may like How to watch Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Portugal squad World Cup 2026: Roberto Martinez's 27-man preliminary selection Which records will Cristiano Ronaldo break at World Cup 2026? In conjunction with the physical attributes that have served Ronaldo so well for almost two and a half decades as a professional, Martinez believes that the five-time Ballon dOr winners experience brings a fresh dimension to his game.He also brings experience in decisive moments that nobody else in the squad can match, Martinez continues. Because none have lived what he has in the number of decisive games hes played over his career.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Then theres his attitude. His commitment to Portugal is total, absolute and strong even today not historical. Thats why he remains our captain.Hes scored 25 goals in 30 matches under my management. The numbers make the argument for him. Our standard for selection is identical for every single player, and its very high. Cristiano meets it. Hes not in the squad because of what he was, but because his present form earns it every time.Ronaldo comes into the tournament having won 226 international caps, with his debut coming way back in 2002 - before current team-mates such as Joao Neves were born, something that has not escaped Martinezs attention.Its one of the most remarkable things about this group, and something that I find genuinely fascinating as a coach, the former Everton and Belgium boss adds. Cristiano Ronaldo has been wearing the shirt since 2003. There are players in our current squad who were born in 2004. That generational span is almost unprecedented in international football at this level.Whats wonderful is that the ball equalises everything. The ball doesnt know about age gaps, eras or generations. The young player learns from the experienced one not only technically or tactically, but in terms of how you carry yourself in the biggest moments, how you manage pressure, and how you approach the days before a decisive game.The experienced player finds new energy in the presence of the younger players who remind them of how it felt to be starting out.TOPICSPortugalWorld CupJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromFlorent Torchut