Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has dismissed calls to rest Cristiano Ronaldo as childish, insisting the superstar is fully capable of playing every minute despite a goalless draw against Colombia

Portugal football team head coach Roberto Martinez completely dismissed suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo should have been rested for their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match against Colombia on Sunday.

Also read: Klopp Names Messi and Ronaldo as Best Players in the World at 2026 World Cup

There were some chatter among fans and experts that Ronaldo should have been rested just like Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.

However, Martinez called such comparisons “childish” and said that the Portugal superstar is fully capable of playing every minute.

Ronaldo’s performance did not impress as Portugal were held to a 0-0 draw by Colombia. In contrast, Messi came on as a substitute during Argentina’s match against Jordan while Haaland did not feature for Norway at all during their final group stage game against France.

“We don’t compare with other players of other teams.

That would be childish,” Martinez said after the match.

Martinez went on to explain that Ronaldo’s game was based on experience and discipline. “Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in position and always opening space in our attacking patterns,” he said.

This Martinez Ronaldo rest defence comes after Portugal failed to secure a victory in the group stage match, with the result leaving their progression to the knockout rounds in a delicate balance.

Also read: Ronaldo Praised by Henry for Selfless 2026 World Cup Moment

The coach’s comments highlight his continued faith in the 41-year-old forward’s fitness and leadership, even as questions linger about rotation strategies for key players during the demanding World Cup schedule.