Portugal confirm departure of Roberto Martinez following Spain defeat

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The Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed the departure of Roberto Martinez following Portugal's last-16 loss to Spain.

Martinez had already announced that he would be leaving the role he had held since January 2023.

Author | Ed

Portugal finished second in their World Cup group, drawing with Colombia and DR Congo and beating Uzbekistan 5-0, and defeated Croatia in the last-32 before Monday's tournament exit.

The last moments of the Portugal/Martinez era

Martinez, 52, led Portugal to the UEFA Nations League title in 2025, but his side departed Euro 2024 at the quarter-final stage with a penalty shootout defeat to France.

His decision to consistently start Cristiano Ronaldo has come under considerable scrutiny in the past two global tournaments, with a TV pundit saying the Spaniard was "pandering" to the 41-year-old forward.

Speaking after the 1-0 loss to Spain, Martinez said: "I came to Portugal with the objective of winning the World Cup, and because I haven't won it, it wouldn't make sense to continue. My contract ends today."

Watch | Analysis from ESPN

The Portuguese Football Federation have reportedly stated that it had already begun the search for a successor "with the aim of continuing to promote the ambition and winning culture" within the national team set-up.

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