Roberto Martinez steps down as Portugal head coach following World Cup exit
Roberto Martinez has stepped down as head coach of Portugal following their dramatic Round of 16 elimination from the World Cup at the hands of Spain.
The 51-year-old Spaniard announced the end of his tenure shortly after Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner condemned Portugal to a 1-0 defeat at the Dallas Stadium, bringing a sudden close to his three-and-a-half-year spell in charge.
Martinez, who assumed the role in January 2023 and led the nation to a UEFA Nations League triumph in 2025, revealed that his contract expired with the conclusion of Portugal’s tournament run.
”I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think that, without winning it, there’s no point in continuing,” Martinez said in his post-match press conference. “It is the end of the cycle. It is important to have a new voice, a new leader. The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose the new manager.”
Despite boasting a squad packed with elite talent—including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Vitinha—Portugal struggled to find a cohesive rhythm in front of goal during the tournament, ultimately falling to a disciplined Spanish side in an intense Iberian derby.
The defeat also draws a definitive curtain on Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious World Cup career. The 41-year-old captain, who became the first player to score in six different editions of the tournament, was left in tears on the pitch at final whistle.
Paying tribute to his captain, Martinez added: “There aren’t many Cristiano Ronaldos. His dream was to win the World Cup, and he gave everything for that dream. He has been an example as a footballer, as a captain, and as a human being.”
Reflecting on his time with the national team, Martinez expressed his gratitude to the Portuguese public, noting that leading the side had been “the experience of my life” and that he felt welcomed “as just another Portuguese person.”
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) will now begin the search for Martinez’s successor as they look ahead to the Euro 2028 qualifying campaign, with veteran manager Jorge Jesus heavily linked to the vacant post.
