Roberto Martinez said “it does not make sense to continue” as Portugal’s head coach and confirmed his resignation following their exit at the World Cup against Spain.
Martinez announced his decision after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain at Dallas Stadium, with Spain substitute Mikel Merino scoring the winning goal in the 91st minute.
Portugal had been frustrated throughout the game against the European champions, with Nuno Mendes’ deflected shot against the crossbar the closest they came to scoring.
And it also proved to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final appearance at the tournament, after the Portugal captain announced he would not play in another World Cup ahead of kick-off.
Martinez was appointed as Fernando Santos’ successor in January 2023 and oversaw 45 matches across all competitions, winning 32 of those matches (D6 L7).
The 52-year-old guided Portugal to Nations League glory in 2024-25 when they beat Spain on penalties in the final, but Martinez conceded that a “new voice” was needed in the dressing room and revealed he would step down from his role with immediate effect.
“It’s the end of the cycle. It’s important to have a new voice, a new leader,” Martinez told reporters.
“I take with myself the memories, and hope that Portugal has good memories in the three years and a half that I was head coach of the team. It was the experience of my life.
“It had not been decided previously [that I would leave after the tournament].
“I came with the goal of winning the World Cup, and because I did not win, it does not make sense to continue.”
90+6’ Fim de jogo em Dallas.#PORESP | 0-1 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/ASH5Q73q9F
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) July 6, 2026
Martinez was asked whether his tenure would be remembered fondly by the Portugal fans or as a failure, to which he provided a fiery response.
“First, we did not fail. We lost against one of the favourites. We played as equals, we were ourselves, we showed incredible individual talent,” Martinez added.
“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. The tactical concepts, the number of players who represented the national team. Failing and not trying to win?
“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 and I hope the Portuguese fans remember that the coaching staff and I gave everything over the years.”
It has been reported that Jorge Jesus, who coached Ronaldo to his first Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr last season, is the favourite to replace Martinez.
