From Kevin De Bruyne to… Cristiano Ronaldo. Roberto Martinez (49) is a great candidate to become the new national coach of Portugal. The talks are running
Pieter-Jan Calcoen
There is some criticism from Belgian supporters about Roberto Martinez’s sporting legacy with the Red Devils – he has not been able to help the Golden Generation win a prize – but internationally his achievements are apparently appreciated. How else can it be explained that a traditionally strong country like Portugal has approached the Spaniard to become the new national coach? Portugal sees Martinez as an attractive figure to make a new start.
Until the 2026 World Cup
Martinez himself is charmed by Portugal’s interest. He had options to become a club coach again – ex-club Everton has always been eyeing him – and the Polish Football Association also had him shortlisted, but Martinez sees Portugal as a better challenge. There is something to be said for that: Portugal, which has great players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and João Felix in its team, has remained below expectations since the European Championship win in 2016. At the last World Cup, it had to go home after the quarter-finals. Martinez thinks there’s more to this generation.
There is a real chance that he will be able to get more out of it himself. Portuguese media reported to us that the negotiations are ongoing and this has been confirmed to our editors. Martinez could sign a contract up to and including the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
At Portugal, Martinez would succeed Fernando Santos. Santos was at the helm of the team for eight years, with the European title in 2016 as the highlight. He also won the Nations League, maligned by some, in 2019, Portugal beat the Netherlands in the final, but Santos was too rarely able to get the most out of the available potential at the ‘real’ tournaments. After the World Cup, he decided, in consultation with the Portuguese federation, to end the cooperation prematurely.
Ronaldo wants to continue
If Martinez finds an agreement, he can work with Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal. Unless, of course, Martinez would judge that CR7, nowadays with Al Nassr, is no longer good enough. At the World Cup, the star in the knockout matches was only a substitute. However, according to Portuguese media, Ronaldo would not think about a farewell yet. The 196-time international (118 goals) still believes that he can add value.
While Martinez’s future seems to be gradually taking shape, the RBFA is still looking for a new national coach. A vacancy has been published, you can apply until 10 January. No breakthrough should be expected before then.
