Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, to Play in Record 6th World Cup; Coach Backs Him

(Lisbon, CNA Combined Foreign Report) Portuguese football superstar "CR7" Cristiano Ronaldo will play in his sixth World Cup, setting a new record. While some believe his presence hinders the team's strong potential, for coach Roberto Martinez and others, he remains an indispensable forward.

According to AFP, the debate surrounding Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, remains as heated as it was during Euro 2024 and the World Cup in Qatar four years ago. However, Ronaldo remains unshakeable, preparing to play in a record sixth World Cup.

The 41-year-old star, despite leaving Europe's top leagues to play for Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr, remains a global superstar and the all-time leading international scorer with 143 goals. Of those, 25 have come in 30 matches under coach Roberto Martinez, who emphasizes that Ronaldo was selected on merit, not reputation.

The Spanish coach also faced questions after Portugal's quarterfinal exit at Euro 2024, with critics saying his strong squad should have won the title. Martinez started Ronaldo in all five matches, but Ronaldo failed to score in Germany.

This season, Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes set a new Premier League assist record, while Paris Saint-Germain players Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Nuno Mendes are among the world's best in their positions.

When appointed in 2023, Martinez faced a choice: break with the Ronaldo generation or keep him as captain and spiritual leader. He chose the latter.

Facing criticism, Martinez can point to winning the 2025 UEFA Nations League as proof that his strategy of relying on Ronaldo was correct.

Ronaldo scored in the final against Spain, securing his third international trophy, following Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League.

"I've won many titles with various clubs, but nothing is more beautiful than winning for Portugal," Ronaldo said after the match. "It's tears, mission accomplished, and pure joy."

Last year, Ronaldo received a red card for elbowing an opponent in a World Cup qualifier against Ireland. FIFA suspended him for three matches, but one has been served and two are suspended, meaning he can play from the start of the World Cup.

Portugal will face DR Congo in Group K on the 17th, followed by Uzbekistan on the 23rd and Colombia on the 28th.

Martinez said he is not worried about the impact of the packed schedule on Ronaldo. "In my experience, players don't usually follow the patterns of club form or age-related performance in the World Cup," he said after announcing the squad.

Ronaldo's teammates still believe in his contribution to Portugal.

Vitinha said playing alongside Ronaldo is "unbelievable," calling him "one of the greatest players of all time." "I'm honored to share the locker room with him, learn from him every day, and witness his professionalism," Vitinha said.

"I hope we can win the World Cup with him and win it for him," Vitinha added. (Editor: Lu Yingzi) 1150605