Roberto Martinez has thrown his support behind Nuno Mendes, the talented defender from Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain, for the prestigious Ballon d'Or. This left-back just wrapped up a phenomenal season, achieving a historic treble after helping his club secure the UEFA Champions League title. Plus, he played a vital role in Portugal's Nations League victory, sealing the win with a penalty shootout against Spain. High praise from Martinez, who called him the "best left-back I've ever seen," really highlights Mendes' impact.
You know, Martinez truly believes in Mendes' potential to shine on a global stage. The young defender has had an incredible run, winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and, of course, the Champions League. That’s quite a feat for anyone, but especially for someone so young.
And speaking of icons, let’s not forget about Cristiano Ronaldo. Martinez referred to him as an "icon" after Ronaldo helped Portugal snag yet another Nations League title, making it his third with the team. He also scored his impressive 138th international goal during the final. Can you believe that? At 40 years old, he’s still breaking records! Martinez pointed out that Ronaldo’s wealth of experience in club football is something truly special.
"Look, being a coach isn’t just about whether to pick Cristiano or not," Martinez explained. "It’s about fielding the best players to create a winning team. And let’s be honest—Cristiano has scored 20 goals for Portugal in the last 25 games. That’s not something you see every day."
This latest title adds to Ronaldo’s legacy, as it marks his second Nations League win after leading the squad to its first title back in 2019. Not to mention, he’s also the proud owner of the 2016 European Championship trophy.
Martinez went on to say, "You’ve got to appreciate the different stages of a footballer’s career. Ronaldo was once all about those dazzling dribbles and last-minute moves. Now, he’s a walking piece of history. He’s not just a player; he’s an icon." It’s like he’s become part of the fabric of football—something everyone talks about, almost like the weather. Every day, he seeks to improve, and that drive? It rubs off on the younger players, for sure.
And then there's Nuno. Martinez mentioned, “I used to think the perfect player didn’t exist, but Nuno is pretty darn close.”
On another note, Yamal has really made a name for himself too, racking up 21 goals and 25 assists in 62 matches as Barcelona clinched the domestic treble. He was also crucial in helping Spain reach the Nations League final.
Meanwhile, Mendes and his PSG teammate Vitinha were part of a squad that swept every trophy in sight, culminating in their first-ever Champions League title. Their performances were key in both PSG’s historic season and Barca’s domestic success. With all that said, it’s clear why Martinez is backing Mendes and Vitinha for the Ballon d’Or—it’s tough to argue against their credentials!
blogpay
Total Comments: 0