Roberto Martinez steps down as Portugal boss as Cristiano Ronaldo cannot hold back tears in final FIFA World Cup game

Roberto Martinez stepped down as Portugal boss and also revealed that his contract ended on Monday.

Updated on: Jul 7, 2026, 04:22:27 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Roberto Martinez announced his departure as Portugal manager following their exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Portugal fell 0-1 to Spain in their Round of 16 encounter.

Roberto Martinez stepped down as Portugal boss after Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup game. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Martinez revealed that he was stepping down from his position. He pointed out that he took over the role of leading Portugal to the World Cup title, and that failure to do so means there is no point in continuing.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo breaks down in tears as final FIFA World Cup ends in heartbreak after Spain's late winner

‘It is the end of the cycle’ Roberto Martinez

Speaking after the match, Martinez said, "It is the end of the cycle. It is important to have a new voice, a new leader."

"It had not been decided previously (that I would leave after the tournament). I came with the goal to win the World Cup, and because I did not win, it does not make sense to continue.

"I take with myself the memories, and hope that Portugal has good memories of the three and a half years I was head coach of the team. It was the experience of my life," he added.

This was also Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup, and the 41-year-old was left in tears after full-time.

Mikel Merino scored a late winner for Spain, combining with Ferran Torres in the 91st minute. There have been 10 last-minute winners (90th or 120th) at the 2026 World Cup, which is the most in a single edition of the competition.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said, “Mikel Merino never lets us down, he's a safe bet. He helped us win the European Championship and is always there when it counts. He's one of the best players in the world in his position.”

"Mikel performs exceptionally well and is always exactly where he needs to be."

Cristiano Ronaldo also ended his campaign with the most shots (17) on record since 1966 at a single World Cup edition, without creating a single chance for a teammate. He broke Alberto Garcia Aspe's (15) 1998 record.

The match also saw Ronaldo become the second player to start 25 World Cup games, alongside Lionel Messi (27).

Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes said, “Obviously, Spain deserve credit. They have quality and great players, but I think that, based on what we did in the first half, if we'd carried on like that, we would have come away with a different result.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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