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According to international media reports, Roberto Martinez is expected to leave the management of the Portugal National Team after his contract expires at the end of July this year.
The 52-year-old Spanish coach has no intention of renewing his current contract and, according to sources close to the Portuguese Federation, is expected to resign after the team's World Cup campaign ends. The decision appears to be unrelated to Portugal's performance at the tournament in North America.
If confirmed, Martinez will end a three-year spell in charge of the Lusitanian national team. He is reportedly considering new career options, including a return to the Premier League, commitments in other European championships or managing another national team.
The World Cup, the last challenge for Ronaldo
Portugal kick off their World Cup campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The focus of the sports world is on Cristiano Ronaldo, who could be playing his last major tournament for the national team.
For the 41-year-old, the World Cup remains the only major trophy missing from his rich list of achievements. Alongside him, Portugal will rely on the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, being considered one of the contenders to go all the way to the end of the competition.
On the eve of the start of the tournament, Martinez expressed calm about the expectations surrounding the Portuguese team.
" I wouldn't say there is anxiety in Portugal about winning the World Cup ," he declared.
Martinez's record at the helm of Portugal
Despite occasional criticism, the Spanish coach's statistics remain among the best in the history of the Portuguese national team.
Under his leadership, Portugal have recorded a 70 percent win rate, the highest for a coach in the history of the national team. The team has also excelled offensively, with Martinez becoming the fastest coach to reach 100 goals.
After being eliminated in the quarter-finals of EURO 2024 by France on penalties, he led Portugal to their second Nations League triumph, defeating Spain in the 2025 final.
His World Cup experience also includes managing Belgium, with whom he reached third place in the 2018 edition, while four years later he was eliminated in the group stage.
Now, ahead of a possible departure from the Portuguese bench, Martinez has the opportunity to make history by leading Portugal to their first world championship title.
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