Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has opened up about Cristiano Ronaldo’s enduring motivation and the role of Diogo Jota in an interview with Antena1. Martinez stressed that Ronaldo’s drive to continue playing stems from an unrelenting desire for self-improvement rather than financial gain or trophies.
“He is a role model. He is a global football icon and also a member of the Portugal national team, two different identities. But when the squad gathers, he is just one of the players. He is incredibly intelligent, the captain, and his commitment to the national team is exemplary. His will to win is truly remarkable,” Martinez said.
The coach elaborated: “Ronaldo doesn’t play for money or titles. He plays to become better. That is truly extraordinary. He can win the Champions League or the Golden Boot, but the next day, he is still thinking about how to improve himself. To serve the national team for 22 years and play so many matches is unique. No other player has done it. That is his hunger. You can measure many things with data, but you cannot measure that.”
Martinez also highlighted Ronaldo’s longevity: “That is his endurance. The beauty of sport is that it tests a player. Ronaldo is a role model and a global superstar. But now, as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup with Portugal, he is still the player who has scored 25 goals in his last 30 matches. He comes to training wanting to be the best and to keep getting better. He has given so much to football, not just Portuguese football, but the entire sport.”
Regarding Diogo Jota, Martinez said: “When we face difficulties, we think of Diogo Jota because he is exactly that kind of person. He always works for his dreams, and his dream is to win the World Cup. Now, his dream is also our responsibility. For us, mentioning Diogo Jota is an inspiration, a very special energy. I believe he will be a key force in our dressing room, helping us reach the World Cup and achieve what Portugal has never done before. He will always be with us.”
Martinez also reiterated his goal of winning the World Cup with Portugal, dedicating the potential victory to his late father, who passed away a year before the interview. The coach mentioned that he will prepare luggage until July 19, the day of the World Cup final, and warned that the tournament will be “very tough” with 48 teams competing.
