Here’s a bold statement: Cristiano Ronaldo, even at this stage of his career, remains indispensable to Portugal’s success—and Robert Martinez is doubling down on that belief. But here’s where it gets controversial: Portugal just secured their 2026 World Cup spot in style, thrashing Armenia 9-0 without their suspended captain. So, does the team truly need Ronaldo, or are they better off without him? Let’s dive in.
After the match, Martinez was crystal clear: ‘We are better with Ronaldo, Nuno Mendes, and Pedro Neto.’ But he didn’t stop there. He emphasized that football is a game of resilience, where teams must adapt when key players are absent. ‘The important thing is to have all the important players, but also to have confidence that we can win even when certain players aren’t in the starting XI,’ he added. This isn’t just a coach defending his star player—it’s a strategic mindset. And this is the part most people miss: Martinez isn’t just relying on Ronaldo’s on-field presence; he’s leveraging the psychological edge Ronaldo brings to the squad.
Ronaldo’s recent red card—his first in 226 international appearances—sparked debates about his role in the team. Playing in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Nassr, some argue he’s past his prime. But Martinez is adamant: Ronaldo will be a cornerstone of Portugal’s 2026 campaign. Why? Because Ronaldo isn’t just a player; he’s a mindset. His relentless drive to win is infectious, and Martinez knows it.
Here’s the kicker: While Ronaldo insists he doesn’t need a World Cup win to cement his legacy, there’s no denying he’s desperate to emulate Lionel Messi’s 2022 triumph. With nearly 1,000 career goals on the horizon, lifting the World Cup trophy would be the ultimate feather in his cap. But is that enough to justify his place in the squad? Or is Portugal’s recent performance without him a sign of things to come?
Martinez’s focus now shifts to preparation. ‘Let all the fans enjoy the draw,’ he said, looking ahead to the group stage. But the real test will be in March, during the training camp, where Portugal will fine-tune their strategy for another shot at global glory.
Portugal’s 9-0 win over Armenia was a statement—a response to their frustrating draw against Ireland. Bruno Fernandes’ hat-trick stole the show, but it was the team’s unity and commitment that stood out. Martinez reflected on the psychological shift: ‘Against Ireland, we were anxious… Today, I really liked the players’ reaction. We were committed, united, and that’s what changed.’ This resilience will be crucial in 2026, with or without Ronaldo.
So, here’s the question for you: Is Ronaldo still Portugal’s secret weapon, or is it time for the team to look beyond him? Let’s spark a debate in the comments—because whether you love him or question his role, one thing’s certain: Cristiano Ronaldo’s story with Portugal is far from over.
