Portugal’s national head coach, Roberto Martínez, has waded into the perennial “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) debate, staunchly defending Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy. As the footballing world gears up for the 2026 World Cup, Martínez insists that the absence of a World Cup trophy from Ronaldo’s cabinet does not diminish his status as the premier figure in the history of the sport.
According to the Spanish tactician, judging a career of such unprecedented magnitude solely on a single tournament victory is a reductive exercise. While winning a World Cup is undoubtedly the pinnacle of any professional’s aspirations, Martínez argues that Ronaldo’s influence, longevity, and sheer statistical dominance have already elevated him to a plane beyond conventional critique.
The Age-Defying Legend
Now 41 years of age, Ronaldo is on the precipice of a historic sixth World Cup appearance. Despite a trophy-laden career featuring five Ballon d’Or titles and five UEFA Champions League trophies, the lack of a World Cup winner’s medal remains the primary weapon used by critics—particularly when comparing him to Lionel Messi. Following Messi’s 2022 triumph in Qatar, many pundits declared the debate “settled,” yet Martínez remains a firm believer in the Portuguese captain’s unique superiority.
| Metric | Cristiano Ronaldo’s Career Statistics |
| Total Professional Goals | 964 |
| National Team Goals | World Record Holder |
| Ballon d’Or Titles | 5 |
| Recent National Form | 25 Goals in last 30 Matches |
| Target for 2026 | 1,000 Career Goals |
Mentality Over Metal
Martínez, who has observed Ronaldo’s meticulous preparation at the national team’s training base, believes his professionalism is his greatest contribution to the game. Speaking on the Portugal Football Summit podcast, Martínez remarked:
“Whether he wins the World Cup or not, he remains the greatest player of all time. His obsessive focus on improvement and his work ethic serve as a North Star for every young player entering the squad.”
The coach highlighted that Ronaldo’s greatness is defined by his constancy. For over two decades, the Al-Nassr forward has maintained an elite level of performance across different leagues and eras. With 964 goals currently to his name, Ronaldo is just 36 strikes away from becoming the first player in history to record 1,000 professional goals.
A Final Campaign
Despite his manager’s reassurances, Ronaldo himself shows no signs of complacency. His role in the current Portugal setup has evolved; he is now a mentor and an inspirational figurehead as much as he is a clinical finisher. As the 2026 tournament approaches, Ronaldo’s primary objective remains unchanged: to hoist the elusive gold trophy before finally hanging up his boots, potentially ending the GOAT debate on his own terms.