Portugal legend Pauleta backs Cristiano Ronaldo for starting role with national team at 2026 World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo has defied expectations, and at 41 years old, the striker remains a key figure in Roberto Martinez’s Portugal setup. Set to feature in yet another World Cup in 2026, Selecao legend Pedro Pauleta has come out in support of Ronaldo, calling for him to be a starter for the national team. Due to his recent injury with Al Nassr, Ronaldo is the most notable absentee from the Portugal squad for the upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States, a group that will also be without Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva. Even so, his standing within the team is not in question, either for head coach Roberto Martinez or, as made clear this week, for one of the country’s greatest legends. In an interview with A Bola’s 90+3 program, Pauleta, Portugal’s historic all-time leading scorer before Ronaldo, was asked about Ronaldo’s role at the 2026 World Cup and left no room for ambiguity: “Cristiano Ronaldo, from the moment he joined the national team squad, he should be a starter. We know he can decide any match at any moment.” Far from showing any sign of decline, Ronaldo leads the scoring charts under Roberto Martinez with 25 goals in 36 matches as Portugal head coach. “And we know he will continue scoring goals as long as he plays football, and he will always keep scoring,” Pauleta added. Pauleta’s endorsement comes at a meaningful time, given that Ronaldo’s role at the last World Cup was not without controversy.#cristiano_ronaldo #roberto_martinez #pedro_pauleta #portugal_national_team #a_bola
