Martinez Reaffirms Confidence in Ronaldo’s 2030 World Cup Prospects

In the lead‑up to his sixth World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked discussion among Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez, who emphasized that the forward remains a viable option for the 2030 FIFA tournament.

During an interview with The Stringer, Martinez was questioned about Ronaldo’s fitness prospects for the 2030 World Cup, even as the player will be 45. “There is no reason to doubt it; he has earned the right to be considered,” the coach responded.

That response emerged while Martinez discussed his admiration for Ronaldo’s longevity, highlighting that the player remains globally relevant at 41, both at club and international levels.

I believe Ronaldo does not chase a particular trophy — whether team or individual. His motivation is an insatiable hunger to improve, day after day, regardless of past achievements, the Portugal coach said. “Pursuing such a goal naturally extends a player’s longevity.”

Martinez later acknowledged that several factors contribute to CR7’s sustained performance. “Obviously genetics play a role, as does his dedicated physical preparation,” he explained. “I have observed many players who, after securing major honors like the Champions League or Ballon d’Or, lose that hunger.”

The oldest players in World Cup history

In a hypothetical scenario where Ronaldo extends his career to the 2030 World Cup — scheduled for Spain, Portugal, and Morocco — he would be poised to become the oldest player ever to appear in a FIFA tournament.

The current record belongs to Essam El‑Hadary, who represented Egypt at the 2018 World Cup at 45 years and 161 days. By summer 2030, Ronaldo will be approximately 45 years and 130 days old; a successful Portuguese run could enable him to surpass that milestone.

The all‑time list of oldest World Cup participants, after El‑Hadary, includes Colombia’s Faryd Mondragón (43 years, 3 days), Cameroon’s Roger Milla (42 years, 39 days), and Northern Ireland’s Pat Jennings (41 years). This season, Ronaldo will move into fourth place on that list.