Roberto Martinez resigns as Portugal head coach following WC exit

Roberto Martinez has resigned as head coach of the Portugal national team, bringing an immediate end to his three-and-a-half-year tenure following a dramatic World Cup elimination at the hands of Spain.

The 52-year-old manager announced his departure shortly after Portugal’s agonizing 1-0 defeat at Dallas Stadium, where Spanish substitute Mikel Merino struck a decisive blow with a 91st-minute winning goal.

The match also marked the end of an era for Portuguese football, serving as the final World Cup appearance for captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who had confirmed prior to kick-off that this tournament would be his last.

"It's the end of the cycle. It's important to have a new voice, a new leader," Martinez told reporters in his post-match press conference. "I came with the goal of winning the World Cup, and because I did not win, it does not make sense to continue."

Portugal endured a frustrating night against the reigning European champions. Their best chance came when a deflected shot from fullback Nuno Mendes rattled the crossbar, but they ultimately failed to break the deadlock before Merino's late heartbreak.

Appointed in January 2023 to succeed Fernando Santos, Martinez enjoyed a highly successful statistical run with the Seleção. He oversaw 45 matches across all competitions, securing 32 victories, six draws, and seven defeats. His crowning achievement came during the 2024-25 campaign, when he guided Portugal to a Nations League title by defeating Spain on penalties.

Despite the bitter exit, Martinez strongly rejected any narrative that his tenure ended in failure when questioned by reporters.

"First, we did not fail. We lost against one of the favorites," a fiery Martinez responded. "We played as equals, we were ourselves, we showed incredible individual talent. Win or lose... we won the Nations League, but penalties are details. I take the level of consistency, the number of goals, the points. That is very difficult at the national team level."

He added: "We tried until the last minute, we gave it our all. The players have been exemplary, incredible. And that's what makes you a winner in football and in life. I take with me an incredible legacy."

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) must now turn its attention to finding Martinez's successor. Early reports indicate that Jorge Jesus has emerged as the frontrunner for the position. Jesus notably coached Cristiano Ronaldo to his first Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr last season, making him a popular candidate to lead the national team into its next chapter.