Jackson Martínez: “Ronaldo will keep surprising” | OneFootball

Jackson Martínez looks at the Portuguese national team with clear admiration and pays special attention to Cristiano Ronaldo, at a time when Colombia are preparing to face Portugal in the World Cup group stage. The former FC Porto striker highlighted the value of experience in a context shaped by youth and suggested that, in competitions of this level, the difference may lie precisely there. At the heart of the Colombian’s view was a simple conviction, expressed without hesitation: “He has a great mentality.”

As Portugal get ready to take on Colombia, Jackson Martínez sent a clear message about what sets the biggest stars apart on the grandest stages. The former Porto goal scorer pointed to Cristiano Ronaldo as a still decisive presence, not only because of his name, but also because of the way he continues to influence both the game and the dressing room with his experience.

Asked about the possibility of seeing Cristiano Ronaldo still in action at a World Cup at the age of 41, Jackson Martínez reacted naturally, with the sense that very little is surprising anymore when it comes to the Portuguese captain. More than his longevity, he highlighted the mental side of his game and the competitive weight the forward brings into a young squad.

“He will keep surprising people… In fact, I even think it won’t be a surprise to anyone,” he said. “He is 41 years old, but he has a great mentality, and with so much youth in the Portuguese national team, his experience is also fundamental. In this type of competition, there is no time to waste, and experience in a squad is hugely important.”

From Jackson Martínez’s perspective, age appears almost like a detail compared to what he sees as essential: mentality, the habit of competing, and the immediate usefulness of someone who has already been through situations like these. It is an assessment that praises Ronaldo, but also helps explain why he sees Portugal as a team strengthened by that balance between freshness and competitive experience.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.