Coach Martinez still trusts Ronaldo, even though the Portuguese number 7 is 40 years old. |
People often say: “Time waits for no one.” But in football, there are people who defy that rule - and Cristiano Ronaldo is a typical example.
Ronaldo's difference
40 years old, 5 Ballon d'Or, 5 Champions League, a EURO championship, two Nations League titles - Ronaldo could have entered the final chapter of his career with peace, leaving behind an undeniable legacy. However, he still stays - not because of nostalgia or old glory, but because his biggest dream is still unfulfilled: the World Cup gold trophy.
Is there any guarantee that he will not achieve that dream? To say that Ronaldo will end his career without winning the World Cup would be an arrogant statement. Not only would it be a denial of the will of one of the greatest players in history, but it would also be an underestimation of the growing strength of the Portuguese national team, which has emerged as a real force under Roberto Martínez.
Ronaldo remains at the centre of that story. Despite entering his forties, he continued to shine in the Nations League finals with two goals - one against Germany, one against Spain.
Those two goals are not just statistics, but a message that says: " I'm still here. I can still do it." In a football world that is gradually turning its back on the veterans, where slowing down means being replaced, Ronaldo is still a mainstay, still an indispensable symbol in the national team's jersey.
Coach Roberto Martinez is not without options. He has a golden generation at his disposal: sharp Bruno Fernandes, intelligent Bernardo Silva, steady Rúben Dias, calm Vitinha, enthusiastic João Neves, fast Nuno Mendes, youthful Gonçalo Ramos…
But instead of getting rid of Ronaldo to refresh the team, Martínez did the opposite. He kept him as a leader, a symbol - and that choice is proving to be the right one.
Ronaldo scored in the Nations League final against Spain. |
Ronaldo is the inspiration of Portugal
The Portuguese team is not only strong individually, but also has a high level of tactical cohesion. They know how to control the game, playing modern and effective football. The Nations League final against Spain in Germany in the early morning of June 9 - a team famous for their ball possession - is clear evidence.
The Portuguese team was not inferior, and at times even controlled the game better. In that team, Ronaldo no longer needed to play the role of "carrier" as before, but he was the psychological support and symbol of victory - something that cannot be measured by numbers.
Unlike many players of his generation who chose to retire or move to less competitive leagues, Ronaldo still maintains a strict standard for himself.
He trains seriously, eats scientifically , and keeps his physical condition at a perfect level - not to maintain his image, but because he really wants to compete, really wants to conquer. Ronaldo is not satisfied with what he has. At the age of 40, many people have long hung up their boots. But for him, time seems to be giving way to his iron will and spirit of constant progress.
Ronaldo's presence also brings something irreplaceable: inspiration. |
Ronaldo's presence also brings something irreplaceable: inspiration. He doesn't need to say much in the dressing room. The former Real Madrid star's professionalism, seriousness and attitude are the biggest encouragement for his teammates.
With him on the field, teammates are more confident. With Ronaldo in the squad, opponents are more cautious. And with him in the national team, fans have the right to dream more.
The World Cup trophy - the only trophy missing from Ronaldo's vast collection - remains the ultimate goal. However, 2026 opens up a new opportunity.
Portugal not only have the quality to go far, but also the experience, character and squad depth to think further. And if that dream comes true, Ronaldo will not just be a legend - he will be a complete legend.
So, don't be too quick to cross Cristiano Ronaldo off the list of World Cup candidates. Don't consider him a thing of the past. Because reality still calls Ronaldo's name - and that dream still burns in the fiery eyes of the captain who never gives up.
Ronaldo stole the ball from Yamal twice. In the early morning of June 9, Cristiano Ronaldo faced Lamine Yamal many times when Portugal defeated Spain to win the UEFA Nations League for the second time.
Source: https://znews.vn/hlv-martinez-da-dung-ve-ronaldo-post1559342.html
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