Portugal boss Roberto Martinez opens up on what makes Cristiano Ronaldo special

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary forward for Portugal and Al-Nassr, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His exceptional career, spanning over two decades, has been defined by unmatched goal-scoring ability, longevity, and a trophy cabinet brimming with both individual and team honors—including five Ballon d’Or titles.

Now 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to score with remarkable consistency, defying age and expectations. Arguably the most decorated player in UEFA history, his extensive list of continental records cements his place in football immortality.

Ronaldo’s brilliance extends to both club and country, dazzling regularly for Al-Nassr and Portugal. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez recently spoke about what sets Ronaldo apart, offering insight into why many consider him the greatest of all time.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

“For me, without doubt, it is because his success doesn’t change his commitment to the next thing. When you win something, the next day there is less hunger. Cristiano is a person, is a player that whatever happens yesterday doesn’t affect what he does today,” Martinez said on Beast Mode On.

It’s great to see how Roberto Martinez always talks about Cristiano Ronaldo with such respect and admiration ❤️

pic.twitter.com/YxBk30a9gS

— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) December 4, 2025

“I don’t know if it’s genetic, if you can work on it, this is the reality. He has got this incredible need to use every day to be the best that he can. That could be in terms of recovering, the training, finishing, whatever aspect that he feels he needs to work on. He is not going to leave anything that he can affect and become better. It doesn’t matter if he scores a hat-trick or he misses three chances, his preparation as soon as the final whistle goes will always be methodical and perfectly preparing for the next day. That’s something that has given him longevity.

“I always said that the footballer was retiring when the body was telling the brain, ‘Look, I’m finished.’ With Cristiano, I have learned it’s not like that. It’s the brain that tells the body it’s time to finish. He has got this capacity of wanting to be the best every day that he is involved in sport. I have never seen that hunger ever before at the same level,” he concluded.

Ronaldo’s accolades speak for themselves. He has won the UEFA Champions League five times—once with Manchester United (2008) and four times with Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018). In 2024, he was honored by UEFA with a Special Award recognizing him as the Champions League All-Time Top Scorer. That same year, he added another European Golden Shoe to his collection—his fourth.

On the international stage, Ronaldo helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship and the UEFA Nations League twice (2018-19, 2024-25). He is also Portugal’s all-time top scorer, netting 143 goals for his country.

Ronaldo’s career is a testament to unparalleled talent, relentless work ethic, and an unyielding hunger to be the best—qualities that have allowed him to dominate football for more than two decades and remain a living legend of the sport.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the com