Cristiano Ronaldo Defends Roberto Martinez Amid Media Criticism
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again made headlines—not just for what he does on the pitch, but for his voice off it. In the buildup to the UEFA Nations League final, where Portugal faced Spain in a nail-biting match that ended 2-2 and was decided in Portugal’s favor via penalties (5-3), Ronaldo did something we’ve seen him do for teammates over the years: he stood up and defended his coach, Roberto Martinez, in the face of what he called “a lack of respect.”
Speaking candidly, the Portuguese captain made it clear that he sees no merit in the criticism being aimed at Martinez. And frankly, he’s not wrong. Since taking charge of the national team, Martinez has revitalized a squad that many thought was past its prime. With veterans like Ronaldo still leading the way and younger stars like Vitinha emerging, the balance and chemistry have been impressive.
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Ronaldo didn’t mince words. He openly stated that Martinez has done “an extraordinary job,” underlining that people have been quick to question his tactics or even make jabs at superficial things like his Spanish accent. Yes—his accent . That’s the level of critique being thrown around. And it’s ridiculous. Martinez has taken Portugal to the final of a major competition and orchestrated a historic win over Germany in Munich—a feat that hadn’t been accomplished in over 20 years. That’s not luck. That’s coaching.
Even more intriguing were Martinez’s comments about the Ballon d'Or. In a world where most would play it safe and name the usual suspects like Mbappe or Haaland, Martinez boldly endorsed Vitinha. He didn’t hesitate. He said Vitinha “will define this era,” pointing to his exceptional contributions at PSG and now with the national team. That kind of confidence in a young player says a lot about the coach’s vision—and how closely he watches the game beyond the headlines.
What makes all of this even more compelling is that Portugal is transitioning. This is very likely Ronaldo’s last few tournaments in a Portugal shirt, and Martinez has the challenge of guiding this new generation while managing a global icon. Not easy—but he’s doing it with poise, professionalism, and clear tactical planning.
As we look ahead to the next challenges—whoever the opponent may be—it’s clear: Portugal, under Roberto Martinez, is not just playing football. They’re writing their next chapter, and players like Ronaldo are making sure the right voices are being heard.
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