Roberto Martinez has pushed back on the idea that Cristiano Ronaldo is still playing for money or personal titles ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Portugal manager’s point was not just about Ronaldo’s longevity. It was about what still drives him after more than two decades at the top level.
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For Martinez, Ronaldo’s motivation is not built around what he has already won. It comes from the daily obsession to keep improving.
Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo’s drive goes beyond money and trophies
In an interview with Antena 1, Roberto Martinez said Cristiano Ronaldo’s motivation is not financial and not simply about adding more titles.
“Cristiano does not play for money, he does not play for titles, he plays to improve. And that is incredible,” Martinez said.
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He added, “Cristiano Ronaldo can win the Champions League, the Golden Shoe, and the day after Cristiano tries to improve.”
That answer explains why Martinez still views Ronaldo differently from most players, even at this late stage of his career.
Ronaldo has already won almost everything available at club and international level. He has the individual awards, the records, the Champions League legacy, and the status of a global icon.
But Martinez’s point is that Ronaldo’s mentality has not softened. The chase is no longer only about another medal, but about proving he can still raise his level.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s hunger keeps Portugal’s dream alive
Martinez then connected that mindset to Ronaldo’s extraordinary national-team career, especially as Portugal move toward the 2026 World Cup.
“It is unique to have a journey of 22 years for the National Team, the number of games he is playing, there is no other player. It is the hunger.
“We can measure everything from a player, but it is an aspect that is not possible,” Martinez concluded.
That “hunger” is the word that matters most. Martinez can measure goals, caps, minutes, and records, but he sees Ronaldo’s desire as something harder to quantify.
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That is also why Ronaldo remains part of Portugal’s biggest conversations. His role may continue to evolve, but his commitment still gives Martinez a reason to trust him.
For a player heading toward another World Cup cycle, the motivation question is natural. Ronaldo has earned enough, won enough, and achieved enough to walk away without needing anything else.
Martinez’s answer makes clear why he has not. Ronaldo is still chasing improvement, and that may be the real reason he remains in Portugal’s plans.
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