Roberto Martinez has resigned as head coach of Portugal after the national team’s dramatic exit from the FIFA World Cup, ending a period in charge that ultimately failed to deliver the breakthrough many had hoped for.
Portugal’s run came to an agonising end against Spain in the Round of 16, with Mikel Merino finding the decisive strike in stoppage time to secure a 90+1st-minute winner and send his side through to the quarter-finals.
The defeat also brought Cristiano Ronaldo’s final appearance at the World Cup to a close, adding extra emotion to a night Portugal will not soon forget.
In an emotional public message, Martinez confirmed that his time in the role is over while pushing back against criticism, arguing that he had thrown everything into the job despite the outcome falling short of expectations.
“I know that many people, especially those who don’t follow football closely, will point fingers and say I ruined Portugal’s chances of winning the World Cup. To those people, I say this: I gave everything I had to this job,” he said.
Martinez took charge of Portugal in early 2023 and guided the team to the 2025 UEFA Nations League title, earning widespread praise for putting together a squad considered among the most gifted in the competition. Yet the World Cup campaign ended in the Round of 16 following a closely fought Iberian derby against Spain.
Explaining why Portugal struggled, the former coach pointed to a lack of attacking sharpness as a central issue, and he expressed frustration that several players who excel at club level were unable to reproduce their form on the international stage when it mattered most.
“What hurts me most is that players who shine so brightly at club level… were unable to deliver the decisive, incisive passes our strikers needed,” Martinez added, insisting that the tactical plan he set out prior to the Spain match was not carried out effectively.
He also addressed the discussion surrounding Ronaldo’s involvement, rejecting the idea that he had failed the veteran. Martinez made it clear that he believes the wider team performance, rather than any single player, was the problem.
“I want to be very clear: I did not fail Cristiano Ronaldo. His teammates did. Ronaldo has given absolutely everything for Portugal over many years, and he deserved better support on the pitch,” he said.
Looking beyond the tournament, Martinez suggested that changes to the squad are likely, indicating that some players may no longer be part of the national-team setup.
“I take full responsibility for the decision to include certain players, but after this tournament I have concluded that some of them no longer deserve to be called up,” he said.
Martinez finished by offering an apology to both the supporters and the Portuguese Football Federation, acknowledging the burden of expectations and the disappointment that comes with failing to go further.
“You deserved more. I leave with a heavy heart, but with the belief that I gave my all.”
With Martinez stepping aside, Portugal now faces the challenge of appointing a new coach as attention shifts to what comes next and who will lead the team into the next international cycle.
