Coach Martinez was right about Ronaldo.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo end his career without ever lifting the World Cup trophy? At 40, he still refuses to stop – and with the mighty Portuguese national team, that greatest dream is being revived more intensely than ever.

Coach Martinez still puts his faith in Ronaldo, even though the Portuguese number 7 is 40 years old.

It's often said, "Time waits for no one." But in football, there are people who defy that rule – and Cristiano Ronaldo is a prime example.

Ronaldo's difference

At 40 years old, with 5 Ballon d'Or awards, 5 Champions League titles, a European Championship, and two Nations League titles, Ronaldo could have peacefully entered the final chapter of his career, leaving behind an undeniable legacy. However, he remained – not out of nostalgia or past glory, but because his greatest dream remained unfulfilled: the World Cup trophy.

Can anyone be sure that he won't reach that dream? To say that Ronaldo will end his career without winning the World Cup might be an outrageous statement. It would not only be a denial of the will of one of the greatest players in history, but also an underestimation of the rising strength of the Portuguese national team – a team that has emerged as a real force under Roberto Martínez.

Ronaldo remains at the center of that story. Despite being in his forties, he continued to shine in the Nations League finals with two goals – one against Germany, one against Spain.

Those two goals weren't just statistics; they were a message: " I'm still here. I can still do it." In a football world that's gradually turning its back on veterans, where slowing down means being replaced, Ronaldo remains a cornerstone, an indispensable icon in the national team's colors.

Coach Roberto Martínez is not without options. He has a golden generation at his disposal: the sharp Bruno Fernandes, the intelligent Bernardo Silva, the steady Rúben Dias, the calm Vitinha, the passionate João Neves, the speedy Nuno Mendes, and the youthful Gonçalo Ramos…

But instead of getting rid of Ronaldo to refresh the team, Martínez did the opposite. He kept him as a leader, an icon - and that choice is proving to be the right one.

Ronaldo scored in the Nations League final against Spain.

Ronaldo is an inspiration for Portugal.

The Portuguese national team is not only strong individually, but also highly cohesive tactically. They know how to control the game, playing modern and effective football. The Nations League final against Spain in Germany on the morning of June 9th – a team known for its ball-possession – is clear evidence of this.

The Portuguese team was not outplayed; in fact, at times they controlled the game better. In that team, Ronaldo no longer needed to play the role of "carrying the team" as before, but instead he became the psychological anchor and symbol of victory – something that cannot be measured by statistics.

Unlike many players of his time who chose to retire or move to less competitive leagues, Ronaldo has maintained a strict standard for himself.

He trains seriously, eats scientifically , and maintains perfect physical condition – not to maintain his image, but because he genuinely wants to compete, genuinely wants to conquer. Ronaldo is not satisfied with what he has achieved. At 40, many people have long since retired. But for him, time seems to be giving way to his steely will and unwavering drive for improvement.

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 professionalism, seriousness, and fighting spirit of the former Real Madrid star are the greatest encouragement for his teammates.

With him on the field, his teammates feel more confident. With Ronaldo in the lineup, opponents are more wary. And with him in the national team, fans have the right to dream bigger.

The World Cup trophy – the only title missing from Ronaldo's vast collection – remains the ultimate goal. However, 2026 presents a new opportunity.

Portugal not only has the quality to go far, but also the experience, character, and squad depth to think even 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 rule Cristiano Ronaldo out of the list of World Cup title contenders. Don't consider him a thing of the past. Because the present still calls Ronaldo's name - and that dream still burns in the fiery eyes of the captain who never gives up.

Ronaldo twice dispossessed Yamal. In the early hours of June 9th, Cristiano Ronaldo repeatedly clashed with Lamine Yamal as 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