Martínez Hails Cristiano Ronaldo as Role Model After Portugal’s 5-0 Demolition of Uzbekistan at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Roberto Martínez has offered a firm endorsement of Cristiano Ronaldo’s standing within the Portugal squad, describing the 41-year-old forward as the definitive example of professional dedication at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The praise from the Portugal head coach came in the wake of scrutiny directed at Ronaldo following Portugal’s underwhelming 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the group stage. That result prompted questions around the veteran captain’s role and effectiveness at this level of competition.

Ronaldo answered those questions emphatically on the pitch, netting a brace in Portugal’s commanding 5-0 rout of Uzbekistan — a result that significantly strengthened the Selecção’s position in their group.

“He is probably the biggest example of how to focus on the aspects that you can influence, the way he recovers, the way he prepares, the way he trains. He’s a good example for all of us,” Martínez said, highlighting Ronaldo’s approach to fitness and preparation despite competing in the latter stages of his career.

Martínez also pointed to the historic nature of Ronaldo’s participation at this tournament as evidence of an unparalleled commitment to international football. The forward is competing in his sixth FIFA World Cup, a feat matched by very few players in the history of the competition. “It is the sixth time he plays a World Cup, and he is a player who’s been defending and playing for his country for a long time. He really wants to keep on improving, to contribute to the team, and he’s really a role model for our team,” the coach explained.

Ronaldo’s appearance at the 2026 World Cup — co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — extended his own record as the only male player to have featured at six editions of the tournament. The brace against Uzbekistan also saw him surpass Lionel Messi in a World Cup statistical record, further underlining his continued relevance at the highest level despite his age.

The performance against Uzbekistan will be seen as a timely response to his critics, with Martínez having previously indicated plans to make tactical adjustments to better utilise Ronaldo within Portugal’s system. The 5-0 scoreline suggests those adjustments are beginning to take effect.

Portugal will be looking to carry the momentum from that victory into the knockout rounds, with Ronaldo’s form and fitness now appearing to be a source of confidence rather than concern within the squad. Martínez’s public backing of his captain signals that, regardless of external noise, Ronaldo retains full support from the coaching staff as the tournament progresses.