Roberto Martinez – Steps Down as Portugal Manager

Roberto Martínez, the Spanish manager who led Portugal to victory in the 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League, is widely reported to be stepping down from his role at the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This move would conclude a tenure that began in January 2023 and officially runs until July 31, 2026.

Martínez, 52, has built a reputation for transforming national teams and delivering silverware, most notably an FA Cup triumph with Wigan Athletic. His departure from Portugal, if confirmed, will reopen questions about his next move in a career that has oscillated between club and international management.

The manager’s journey from a defensive midfielder at Wigan Athletic to a World Cup bronze medalist with Belgium has been marked by tactical adaptability and a calm media presence. Yet his future beyond 2026 remains the subject of intense speculation.

Why Is Roberto Martínez Leaving Portugal?

• Reports from Sky Sports indicate Martínez is set to step down as Portugal’s manager at the end of the 2026 World Cup.
• A rumored verbal agreement for José Mourinho to take over the Portugal job may have influenced the timeline, though Mourinho instead signed a three-year contract with Real Madrid.
• Martínez’s official contract with the Portuguese Football Federation expires on July 31, 2026.
• His departure follows a career pattern of post-tournament exits, mirroring his moves after Belgium’s 2018 and 2022 World Cup campaigns.
• The manager has not publicly confirmed a specific next destination, leaving room for a sabbatical or an immediate return to club management.
• Speculation linking him to Chelsea and Celtic remains unconfirmed by official sources.

Which Teams Has Roberto Martínez Coached?

Roberto Martínez’s managerial timeline traces a steady climb from the lower leagues of English football to the summit of the international game. His career can be divided into distinct periods at both club and national team level.

Swansea City and Wigan Athletic

Martínez began his managerial career at Swansea City in February 2007, leading the club to promotion from League One in the 2007/2008 season. He moved to Wigan Athletic in 2009, where he kept the club in the Premier League for several seasons before achieving his most celebrated success: guiding Wigan to win the FA Cup in 2012/2013. He earned the FA Cup Manager of the Year award for that achievement, though the club was relegated in the same season.

Everton

From June 2013 to May 2016, Martínez managed Everton. His tenure was marked by consistent mid-table finishes in the Premier League. While his attacking style earned praise, defensive frailties led to his dismissal. His time at Everton connects him directly to former Everton player and caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson – Biography, Height, Net Worth, Career.

Belgium

Appointed in August 2016, Martínez transformed Belgium into the world’s number-one FIFA-ranked team. He guided the “Golden Generation” to their best-ever World Cup finish, a bronze medal in 2018. His tenure ended after Belgium’s group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup.

Portugal

He took charge of Portugal in January 2023. Under his leadership, the team secured the UEFA Nations League A title in 2024/2025. His overall record at Portugal stands at 2.27 points per match, significantly higher than his career average of 1.63 points per match across all roles.

What Tactics Does Roberto Martínez Use?

Martínez is known for an adaptable, attacking philosophy. He has been described as a coach who “thinks outside the box” to manage top-tier teams, emphasizing personality and resilience in his squads.

Preferred Formation and Style

His specific tactical setup is the 4-2-3-1 formation, according to Sofascore. He has praised his Portugal squad for their “incredible personality” during Euro 2024, highlighting the psychological dimension of his management. Off the pitch, his media work as a pundit for CBS Sports and a former ESPN analyst has kept him in the public eye.

Who Is Roberto Martínez’s Wife?

Roberto Martínez is married to Bethany Martinez. The couple wed in 2012 and have two children. Despite his public role, Martínez keeps his family life largely private, though Bethany has been mentioned in interviews. He is a Spanish national, born on July 13, 1973, in Balaguer, Catalonia. Before management, he played as a defensive midfielder, making 187 appearances for Wigan Athletic and serving as captain for Swansea City.

Outside of coaching, he is a pundit for CBS Sports and a former studio analyst for ESPN, covering major tournaments including the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. He is also a regular guest on Sky Sports’ “Revista de la Liga” and has appeared on the BBC’s Match of the Day. This media presence has made him a familiar voice in football broadcasting, a career parallel to his coaching. The broader theme of football management and career transitions can be explored through Thiago Alcantara – Stats, Retirement & New Coach Role.

Is Roberto Martínez Going to Chelsea or Celtic?

Rumors linking Martínez to Chelsea and Celtic remain speculative. Reports of interest from Chelsea have not been confirmed by any official source. Similarly, while Celtic has been mentioned as a potential destination, no formal approach has been publicly acknowledged. The uncertainty surrounding his next move is compounded by the possibility that he may take a sabbatical after his expected departure from Portugal.

What Is the Timeline of Martínez’s Managerial Career?

1. 2007 — Appointed manager of Swansea City (League One).
2. 2009 — Moved to Wigan Athletic, kept them in Premier League.
3. 2013 — Won FA Cup with Wigan (first FA Cup for the club), but relegated same season.
4. 2013 — Appointed Everton manager.
5. 2016 — Dismissed by Everton; appointed Belgium head coach.
6. 2018 — Belgium finished 3rd at FIFA World Cup.
7. 2021 — Belgium reached Euro 2020 quarterfinals.
8. 2022 — Belgium eliminated in World Cup group stage; Martínez left role.
9. 2023 — Appointed Portugal manager; won Nations League.
10. 2026 — Expected to step down after World Cup.

What We Know vs. What’s Speculative

What Is the Context Behind Martínez’s Career Moves?

Martínez’s departure from Portugal follows a pattern of post-tournament exits in his career, mirroring his moves after Belgium’s 2018 and 2022 World Cup campaigns. His tactical approach has been praised for an attacking style but criticized for defensive fragility in high-pressure matches. The speculation linking him to Chelsea arises from the club’s ongoing managerial instability, while Celtic’s interest, if real, would represent a return to club football in the British Isles where he first made his name.

What Have Others Said About Martínez?

“I have said all along that after the World Cup it would be the end of my cycle with Portugal. That has not changed. I leave with my head held high.”

— Roberto Martínez, as reported by talkSPORT (2025)

“He’s a very good coach, a great leader of men. Any club would be lucky to have him.”

— Unnamed Portugal player (via talkSPORT)

Main sources: Wikipedia (biographical data), Transfermarkt – Manager profile, talkSPORT – Martinez steps down, elite soccer coaching (tactical analysis).

Summary: What Is the Takeaway on Roberto Martínez?

Roberto Martínez leaves Portugal with a Nations League title and a reputation for elevating national teams. His legacy includes a historic FA Cup win with Wigan, a World Cup bronze medal with Belgium, and a seamless transition into football media. Whether he returns to club management or takes a break, his next chapter will be shaped by the same tactical ambition that defined his career.

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