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Vitinha has revealed how Cristiano Ronaldo continues to inspire the Portugal team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The midfielder says the team hopes to win the tournament together and for their iconic captain.
The dream of global glory
Vitinha has spoken about Ronaldo’s influence within the Portugal national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, remains a key figure for Portugal despite approaching the latter stages of his career.
As preparations continue for the expanded tournament in North America, his presence in the national team setup continues to shape the team’s ambitions. Speaking to FIFA, Vitinha made it clear that Portugal’s players are motivated by the opportunity to deliver the only major international trophy that has eluded their captain.
Vitinha reveals Ronaldo’s influence within the squad
Vitinha explained that Ronaldo’s leadership and professionalism continue to drive the team forward. Despite questions from some observers about his continued role in the starting lineup, the midfielder says the striker’s work ethic remains unmatched.
“He is [Ronaldo] One of the best players in history,” said Vitinha. “I am very proud to share the locker room with him, learn from him and witness his professionalism every day. “I hope we can win the World Cup with him and for him too.”
“Mainly his way of approaching football: extremely professional and serious. He leaves nothing to chance. He goes out on the field knowing that he is one hundred percent prepared and that he has done everything possible for the team.”
“We just want to win”
Vitinha also acknowledged that although Portugal’s ambition is to win the World Cup, the path to achieving it will not be easy. He stressed that the team’s current objective is to win game after game.
“We just want to win,” he admitted. “We know it will be difficult, but we also know that there is no point in thinking too much about the final or lifting the trophy right now, even if that is our goal. We have to take it step by step. That is always the best approach. Right now, our focus has to be on the group stage. If we do well there, then we can start looking forward.”
Portugal balancing youth and experience
Portugal’s ambitions for the 2026 tournament will depend on how well the team combines emerging talent with Ronaldo’s leadership. Coach Roberto Martínez has announced his final squad for the North American tournament, with Vitinha and Ronaldo also on the list. In the next World Cup they will be in Group K along with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
