NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Vitinha has revealed how Cristiano Ronaldo continues to inspire the Portuguese team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The midfielder says the team hopes to win the tournament alongside and for their iconic captain.
The dream of world glory
Vitinha spoke about Ronaldo’s influence within the Portugal national football team as the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, remains a key figure for Portugal even as he approaches the latter stages of his career.
As preparations continue for the expanded tournament in North America, his presence in the national team roster continues to shape the team’s ambitions. Speaking to FIFA, Vitinha made it clear that the Portuguese players are motivated by the opportunity to win the only major international trophy that has eluded their captain.
Vitinha reveals Ronaldo’s influence within the team
Vitinha explained that Ronaldo’s leadership and professionalism continue to drive the team forward. Despite questions from some observers about his role in the starting XI, the midfielder says the striker’s work ethic remains second to none.
“He is [Ronaldo] one of the greatest players in history,” Vitinha said. “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 the way he approaches football: extremely professional and serious. He leaves nothing to chance. He enters the field knowing that he is 100 percent ready 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 get there will not be easy. He emphasized that the team’s current goal 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 winning the trophy at the moment, even if that is our goal. We have to take it step by step. That is always the best approach. For now, we have to focus on the group stage. If we succeed there, we can start looking further ahead.”
Portugal balances youth and experience
Portugal’s ambitions for the 2026 tournament will depend on how the team combines emerging talent with Ronaldo’s leadership. Head coach Roberto Martinez announced his final squad for the North American tournament, with Vitinha and Ronaldo also on the list. At the next World Cup, they will be in Group K with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
