Roberto Martinez Praises Cristiano Ronaldo ‘Exemplary Attitude’ After Captain’s Performance in Portugal Win Over Hungary

Cristiano Ronaldo is 40 years old, but you wouldn’t know it from the way he continues to carry Portugal on the international stage. On Tuesday night in Lisbon, the legendary forward once again delivered when it mattered, scoring from the penalty spot in a tense 3-2 World Cup qualifying win over Hungary. It was his 39th goal in World Cup qualifiers—tying him at the very top of the all-time list with Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz. And, as if to underline his enduring rivalry, he also moved three clear of Lionel Messi.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez was quick to highlight not just the goal, but the manner in which his captain led by example. “Cristiano scored three goals in two games for the national team. He has an exemplary attitude and behavior,” Martinez said afterwards. “A performance worthy of a team captain.”

For Ronaldo, the plaudits are nothing new. But at an age where most of his contemporaries have long since hung up their boots, he continues to rewrite the script of what’s possible for a player in the twilight of his career.

Roberto Martinez Hails Cristiano Ronaldo After Portugal Beat Hungary

Ronaldo’s goal may have come from the penalty spot, but it was his influence across the ninety minutes that stood out. He earned the spot-kick himself, drawing a clumsy foul from the Hungarian defense, before dispatching it with trademark calm. The strike means Ronaldo has now scored 141 goals in 223 appearances for his country—numbers that belong to the realm of fantasy.

Martinez, who has been keen to build a balanced, forward-thinking Portugal since taking charge, made a point of praising Ronaldo’s mentality rather than just his finishing. “I’m not just highlighting individual performances,” he told reporters. “It’s about the way he sets the standard for others. At 40 years old, the way he trains, the way he commits, it sends a message to every other player in the squad.”

That message seems to be working. Portugal top their group with six points from two games, three clear of Armenia. It is still early days in the qualifying campaign, but the signs suggest that under Martinez, the Seleção are building a team with both depth and direction—anchored, of course, by their captain.

A Record-Breaking Pursuit

Ronaldo

The subplot of Ronaldo’s career has always been records, and Tuesday added another layer. By matching Carlos Ruiz’s haul of 39 World Cup qualifying goals, he has placed himself on the cusp of another landmark. Few doubt he will move clear sooner rather than later.

For context, Lionel Messi has 36 in World Cup qualifiers, and few other players are even close. Ronaldo’s longevity—stretching from his teenage debut in 2003 to now—has given him the platform, but it’s his consistency and hunger that have propelled him to the top.

This summer, he extended his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, a move that ensures he will remain at the professional level through at least 2026. By then, he could well be appearing at his sixth World Cup, adding yet another record to his already ridiculous résumé.

A Captain’s Performance

It was not just the goal that drew attention against Hungary. Ronaldo’s leadership was evident throughout. He barked instructions, calmed younger teammates, and celebrated every defensive clearance with the same intensity as a goal. For Martinez, those qualities are just as important as the numbers on the scoresheet.

“This was a captain’s performance,” Martinez said. “It’s not just about scoring—it’s about setting the tone. When you see Cristiano pressing in the 85th minute, you know there are no excuses for anyone else.”

That relentlessness is what keeps Portugal competitive. With stars like Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, and João Félix alongside him, Ronaldo no longer needs to shoulder the entire attacking burden. But he still does what he has always done best—decisive contributions in the big moments.

Life After 40

The wider footballing world continues to marvel at how Ronaldo has adapted his game. The blistering pace of his Manchester United and Real Madrid days is no longer there, but his movement, timing, and intelligence are sharper than ever. He conserves energy better, picks his moments, and still retains the leap and heading ability that makes him a threat to any defense.

Critics questioned whether his move to Saudi Arabia would dull his competitive edge. Instead, Ronaldo has looked fresher on international duty, scoring 11 goals in his last 12 matches for Portugal. Whatever the level of domestic football, his conditioning remains second to none.

What Comes Next

After his heroics with Portugal, Ronaldo will return to Al-Nassr for a Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Kholood this weekend. He will then rejoin the national team in October for another set of qualifiers, including a return fixture against Hungary. By then, the expectation is that he will have taken sole possession of the all-time World Cup qualifying goal record.

For Portugal, the bigger picture is clear: World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is the target. By then, Ronaldo will be 41—but as long as he maintains this “exemplary attitude,” as Martinez puts it, no one should bet against him leading the line once more.

The Legacy Continues

Every time it seems like Ronaldo has reached the last chapter, he finds a way to add another page. His performance against Hungary was not vintage in the sense of dazzling dribbles or long-range screamers, but it was quintessential Ronaldo: decisive, disciplined, and relentless.

As Martinez summed it up, it was a captain’s performance. And if Portugal are to dream big over the next two years, they will continue to look to their ageless leader. For Ronaldo, the goals keep coming, the records keep tumbling, and the story shows no signs of ending just yet.