Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez said star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is not eyeing the 1,000 goal milestone, rather he is prioritising team goals over personal records.
Ronaldo, with 950 career goals remains an integral part of the Portugal’s national side and for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr. However, a muscle injury has sidelined him for few weeks, with the 41-year-old also sidelined from the ongoing international friendlies.
His impressive form this season makes him a frontrunner to be part of Portugal side in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he would be expected to play a key role. However, there were suggestions that Ronaldo is chasing personal glory, which Martinez dismissed.
“I don’t agree with that. If Cristiano had played the European Championship focused on scoring a goal to break another record, the assist against Turkey for Bruno Fernandes wouldn’t have happened,” he was quoted saying to Goal.com.
Martinez stated that the senior players in the national side have taken maximum responsibility during Portugal’s recent outings.
“It’s not true that our players have records or personal goals in mind. The only thing I saw at the European Championship was a different kind of responsibility in the more experienced players, a maximum responsibility to have a top performance in the tournament,” he added.
When asked if Ronaldo had set any personal target, Martinez said such discussions were irrelevant to the player’s mindset.
“No, because I don’t see Cris playing with the anxiety or intention of reaching 1,000 goals. Whether he has 950 or 1,050 goals, he has the same legacy. It won’t change anything. That’s outside talk,” he said.
The Portugal coach continued and highlighted what Ronaldo brings to the table. He reiterated that Ronaldo “doesn’t have the obsession that people talk about from the outside regarding his 1,000th goal”.
“We’re talking about a striker who has 25 goals in 30 games. But I value behaviour inside the box much more. And Cristiano doesn’t have the obsession that people talk about from the outside regarding his 1,000th goal. Because his behaviour isn’t like that. I can’t say for the club, but here with the national team it’s not like that,” he also said.
Meanwhile, Portugal are placed in Group K with Uzbekistan and Colombia in the FIFA
World Cup 2026. They will start their campaign on June 17. Ronaldo is expected to lead the side as they aim for their first World Cup trophy.
