World Cup 2026: Rio Ferdinand advises Portugal coach Martinez on how to use Ronaldo

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has offered advice to Portugal manager Roberto Martínez on how to deploy captain Cristiano Ronaldo during the World Cup.

Ferdinand suggests that Martínez consider giving the 41‑year‑old Al‑Nassr striker a super‑sub role.

He believes Ronaldo has the ability to come off the bench and change the outcome of matches for Portugal.

Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Ferdinand said, “I think Martínez will start Ronaldo. But personally, I would pick and choose those moments.”

“Against the strongest teams, I might leave Ronaldo until the 70th minute because when everyone is tired, that is when he can be devastating.”

“I think Roberto Martínez’s job isn’t just managing the national team, it’s also managing individuals. If I were the coach, I’d sit down with Cristiano and say: ‘Listen, I’m going to start you in some matches. In others, I might bring you on from the bench. But it’s for the good of the team.’”

“Because at the end of the day, if Portugal wins the World Cup and Cristiano comes on and changes games, nobody is going to remember whether he started or came off the bench.”

“People will only remember that Portugal won the World Cup. So I’d ask him to trust me as a manager and trust the process.”