Cristiano Ronaldo, at 39, is approaching what is widely expected to be his final World Cup appearance, but his place in Portugal’s starting eleven is not guaranteed. Head coach Roberto Martinez has made it clear that no player, not even a global icon with 143 international goals, is automatically assured of a spot in the squad for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in .
The message from Martinez, delivered in January , is a firm one: performance dictates selection. While Ronaldo remains captain and a vital presence in the dressing room, his legendary status will not shield him from competition for a place in the team. “Leadership Intact, Privileges None,” as described by reports, encapsulates Martinez’s approach. The coach emphasized that reputation will not outweigh current form, suggesting that even Ronaldo could find himself on the bench if his standards slip.
This stance comes despite Ronaldo’s continued goal-scoring prowess. Martinez acknowledged Ronaldo’s evolution as a player, noting that he is now more of a positional forward and a “pure finisher.” The coach highlighted Ronaldo’s impressive recent record of 25 goals in his last 30 games for the national team, calling it a “gift.” However, even those numbers aren’t enough to secure a guaranteed starting role.
The shift in emphasis towards performance-based selection is a significant development for Portugal. For years, Ronaldo’s presence has been the focal point of the team, and his inclusion in the starting lineup was almost a foregone conclusion. Now, Martinez is prioritizing commitment and attitude, stating that players without those qualities will not be called up, regardless of their past achievements. Ronaldo, according to Martinez, exemplifies this commitment, inspiring teammates both on and off the pitch.
The news arrives after a period of uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s international future. He received a three-match ban from FIFA in November following a red card in a World Cup qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland. The incident, involving an elbow to Ireland defender Dara O’Shea during a 2-0 loss in Dublin, initially raised concerns that Ronaldo could miss Portugal’s opening game at the World Cup. However, FIFA subsequently reduced the ban to a single match, which he served in a 9-1 win over Armenia, and deferred the remaining two games for a one-year probation period.
The disciplinary ruling means Ronaldo is eligible to play in Portugal’s first match of the tournament. However, the probationary period adds a layer of complexity. If Ronaldo commits another infringement of similar severity during the next year, the remaining two-game ban will be activated. Portugal has friendly matches scheduled in March and potentially one or two warm-up games in late May or June, providing opportunities for further scrutiny.
The situation highlights the delicate balance Martinez is attempting to strike. He recognizes Ronaldo’s value to the team, both as a goalscorer and a leader, but he is also determined to build a competitive squad based on merit. The coach praised Ronaldo’s intelligence in the penalty area, his ability to create space, and his impact on the players around him. At 40, Ronaldo continues to perform at a high level with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, demonstrating a relentless drive to improve.
The upcoming months will be crucial for Ronaldo as he seeks to prove his worth to Martinez and secure his place in the starting lineup. The coach’s message is clear: while Ronaldo’s legacy is undeniable, his future with the national team will be determined by his performance on the field. This World Cup represents a final opportunity for Ronaldo to add to his already illustrious career, but it will not be handed to him. He will have to earn it.
The competition for places within the Portuguese squad is fierce. While Ronaldo’s experience and goal-scoring record are invaluable, Martinez is building a team capable of challenging for the title, and he will not hesitate to select players who he believes give the team the best chance of success. The focus is on collective performance, and individual reputations will carry limited weight.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be Ronaldo’s sixth, a record in itself. His participation will undoubtedly be a major storyline throughout the tournament, and the debate over his role in the team is likely to continue until the opening kickoff. However, one thing is certain: Cristiano Ronaldo will have to prove he deserves to be on the pitch, just like any other player in the Portugal squad.
