Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said he was stepping down from his role after Spain beat his side 1-0 in the World Cup last-16 on Monday, calling the defeat the end of a cycle for the team.
Martinez said his contract expired on Monday and the Portuguese football leadership now had the chance to appoint a new coach.
The Spaniard said he came to Portugal to win the World Cup and saw no point in continuing after failing to achieve that goal.
Portugal’s departure also means that his talisman Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to announce his international retirement after a long international career.
Martinez praised Ronaldo, 41, as an exemplary captain and thanked him for his contribution to Portugal, while avoiding further comment on the player’s future.
The 52-year-old, who was constantly criticized for sticking with aging captain Cristiano Ronaldo no matter what, had been in charge since 2023.
He previously managed Belgium, after spells in British football with Swansea, Wigan and Everton.
“Thank you to the Portuguese people because it was an incredible period, a pride that I cannot describe,” Martinez said.
“All that power and energy we had from all the fans, from all the Portuguese people, was incredible.
“Thank you for this and I will take away a memory for life.”
Published on July 7, 2026
