Vitinha has become as the central figure of Portugal’s midfield, playing a crucial role throughout Roberto Martínez’s process with the national team. Despite being considered one of the best players in the world, he has chosen to praise the veteran star ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The veteran captain will travel to the tournament for a historic sixth appearance, while Martinez attempts to build a squad capable of challenging for the country’s first-ever world title.

Roberto Martínez has officially announced Portugal’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the roster. Following the announcement, the head coach also provided key details regarding the management of minutes for the 40-year-old striker throughout the tournament.

While the spotlight naturally fell on the 41-year-old captain, much of the discussion after the announcement centered around one unusual detail surrounding the national team selection.

The veteran forward will captain the national team at a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, with the tournament in North America expected to be the final chapter of his extraordinary international career.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez spoke highly of Cristiano Ronaldo.

While Ronaldo has now completed his rehabilitation with Al-Nassr, conversations around his durability and the demands of tournament soccer remain constant.

Now Martinez has hinted at something deeper shaping Portugal’s chances, a key attribute within Ronaldo that could inspire and elevate the entire squad on the road to World Cup success.

Earlier, Martinez had already hinted that concerns around Ronaldo’s condition might be overstated, subtly suggesting that the veteran forward’s recovery could be quicker than initially feared.

The spotlight once again falls on Cristiano Ronaldo as Roberto Martinez has provided clarity over his fitness ahead of a crucial international period.

Portugal has reached a final call on whether Cristiano Ronaldo will feature in the March international window, as the national team prepares for high-profile friendlies against the United States and Mexico.

With concerns over his injury far from fading, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez admits having no guarantee that Cristiano Ronaldo will be taking part in the 2026 World Cup.

Portugal’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have taken an intriguing turn, as head coach Roberto Martinez addressed growing speculation surrounding the availability of Cristiano Ronaldo for the upcoming international friendlies.

With Cristiano Ronaldo now forced to have a speedy recovery to be available, the date when coach Roberto Martinez will be revealing Portugal's squad for the friendlies against Mexico and the USMNT has been confirmed.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez made a candid take on whether Cristiano Ronaldo needs to win the World Cup to be called the greatest soccer player in history.