Roberto Martinez has confirmed his resignation as Portugal head coach immediately after their World Cup last-16 exit to Spain, ending a three-and-a-half-year tenure. Mikel Merino's 91st-minute winner sealed a 1-0 defeat for Portugal, eliminating Cristiano Ronaldo's side from the tournament.
Contract ends after World Cup failure
Martinez, who previously managed Swansea City and Belgium, stated that his contract concluded with the defeat on Monday evening. Without securing the World Cup trophy, he believes continuing would not make sense. The 52-year-old led Portugal to the Nations League title in 2025 but could not replicate that success in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Portugal's campaign included a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan but also draws with DR Congo and Colombia, followed by a narrow victory over Croatia in the last 32. Despite stifling Spain for much of the match, they ultimately fell short.
Call for a new voice
“It is the end of the cycle, and it’s important to have a new voice now,” Martinez said. “I think it is entirely fair that the president, Mr Pedro Proenca (appointed in 2025), has the opportunity to choose his own manager. It is completely legitimate.”
He thanked the president and board for their support, adding: “I appreciate their strength and support, but it is the end of a cycle. I take the memories with me, and I hope the Portuguese people will also have good memories of these three and a half years, which have been some of the best of my entire life.”
Decision not pre-planned
Martinez noted that the decision was not finalised before the tournament. “No, I don’t think it was finalised. My focus when I came to Portugal was to win the World Cup. I believe that without winning the World Cup, it doesn’t make sense to continue. The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose their own manager. The president has always supported my work, but my contract ends today, so there isn’t much more to say.”
Tribute to Ronaldo
Martinez paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, who played his final World Cup minutes at age 40. Ronaldo will be 45 by the next tournament. “There aren’t many Cristiano Ronaldos,” Martinez said. “I will forever appreciate what he tried to do in this World Cup, because his dream was to win it. He was an incredible example of a captain, both on a footballing level and a human level. His impact inside the dressing room and within the group of players is something the entire coaching staff and all the players will carry with us forever. He is an example of football, of an athlete, and of the human being behind the athlete.”
