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Roberto Martinez denies that Cristiano Ronaldo plays for money or personal accolades as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup. Instead, he emphasizes Ronaldo's ongoing drive to improve after two decades in football.
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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 managerâs point was not just about Ronaldoâs longevity. It was about what still drives him after more than two decades at the top level.
For Martinez, Ronaldoâs motivation is not built around what he has already won. It comes from the daily obsession to keep improving.
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In an interview with Antena 1, Roberto Martinez said Cristiano Ronaldoâs motivation is not financial and not simply about adding more titles.
âCristiano does not play for money, he does not play for titles, he plays to improve. And that is incredible,â Martinez said.
He added, âCristiano Ronaldo can win the Champions League, the Golden Shoe, and the day after Cristiano tries to improve.â
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 Martinezâs point is that Ronaldoâs mentality has not softened. The chase is no longer only about another medal, but about proving he can still raise his level.
Roberto Martinez believes Cristiano Ronaldo's motivation stems from his obsession with continuous improvement rather than financial gain or personal titles.
Cristiano Ronaldo has had a highly successful career, winning multiple titles and awards, but Martinez suggests his current focus is on personal growth.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to play a significant role in the Portugal national team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
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Martinez then connected that mindset to Ronaldoâs extraordinary national-team career, especially as Portugal move toward the 2026 World Cup.
âIt 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.
âWe can measure everything from a player, but it is an aspect that is not possible,â Martinez concluded.
That âhungerâ is the word that matters most. Martinez can measure goals, caps, minutes, and records, but he sees Ronaldoâs desire as something harder to quantify.
That is also why Ronaldo remains part of Portugalâs 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.
Martinezâs answer makes clear why he has not. Ronaldo is still chasing improvement, and that may be the real reason he remains in Portugalâs plans.
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