​Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has issued an emotional tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after their World Cup exit. Ronaldo had already stated that the 2026 tournament will be his last, and Portugal’s campaign ended in Dallas on Monday with a 1-0 defeat to Spain. The 41-year-old became the only player to score in six World Cups at the group-stage level, though his performances drew criticism from spectators. With Ronaldo’s World Cup dream over, Martinez offered thanks to his forward following the defeat to Spain. Speaking to reporters after the game (via The Guardian), Martinez—who had already said he would leave his post regardless of the World Cup outcome—said: “I had a word of thanks to him. He has been an exemplary captain. I arrived when there was a lot of confusion and questions about his position in the team. But he has been an example, not only in the number of goals he has scored, but also in the counterattacks he leads. He is an example, a role model to follow. He is a football icon. There aren’t many Ronaldos out there. His dream was to win this World Cup, and he achieved it by being an amazing example within the dressing room. He is a prime example of football, the athlete, and the human being behind that athlete.” Martinez, whose own position was also under scrutiny, faced criticism for consistently selecting Ronaldo at this stage of his career, especially after predecessor Fernando Santos left him out of the 2022 World Cup in favor of Goncalo Ramos, who then scored a hat-trick against Switzerland in the last 16. Ronaldo remains one of the sport’s greatest ever players, and his career deserves respect, even as recent international tournaments seemed increasingly challenging for him. He leaves the World Cup stage having rarely come close to lifting football’s biggest prize. This does not diminish his achievements, but many observers felt this outcome was foreseeable before this year’s tournament began.