The Netherlands' search for a new head coach has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn, with Roberto Martinez emerging as the leading candidate to succeed Ronald Koeman. Following a series of rejections from high-profile domestic coaches, the KNVB appears ready to look beyond Dutch borders for the first time in nearly fifty years.
Lamine Yamal dismissed suggestions that numerology could influence Spain's World Cup semi-final against France, while taking a swipe at former Portugal boss Roberto Martinez. The teenage winger also insisted he feels no anxiety before the biggest match of his career and remains focused only on helping Spain reach the final.
Wayne Rooney described Cristiano Ronaldo's final appearance at a World Cup as "a sad day for football". It wasn't, though. Not really. Ronaldo may be one of the most iconic figures in sporting history, but Spain's victory over an insipid Portugal side, taken in conjunction with Belgium battering the United States, actually made July 6, 2026 a pretty good day for the game.
Roberto Martinez has confirmed his departure as Portugal head coach after his star-studded side suffered a disappointing 1-0 elimination against Spain in the World Cup round of 16. The former Everton manager stated there was no reason to continue after failing to achieve his tournament objectives, paving the way for Jorge Jesus to succeed him.
Roberto Martinez has revealed how the memory of the late Diogo Jota inspired Portugal during their dramatic World Cup knockout victory over Croatia. The national team manager pointed out several emotional coincidences linking the narrow triumph directly to the former forward, who tragically passed away alongside his brother in a car accident last year.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric as global icons who have surpassed the limitations of public scrutiny. Speaking ahead of a high-stakes World Cup knockout clash, Martinez insisted that the two legendary captains serve as the ultimate examples for the next generation of footballers.
Former striker Chris Sutton has strongly criticised Portugal manager Roberto Martinez ahead of their World Cup knockout match against Croatia, describing his continued reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo as completely embarrassing. Sutton believes Martinez is holding his talented squad back by pandering to Ronaldo and refusing to substitute him despite his declining impact on the pitch.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has hit back at suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo should be managed similarly to Lionel Messi or Erling Haaland, labeling such comparisons as "childish." Despite his age, the veteran forward has played every single minute of the Selecao’s World Cup group stage campaign so far.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has heaped praise on Cristiano Ronaldo, describing his captain as an "exemplary" leader following a dominant 5-0 World Cup victory over Uzbekistan. The Al-Nassr superstar netted twice to silence critics who had questioned his role in the national team after a difficult week of external pressure.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has fiercely defended under-fire forward Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of their vital second World Cup group fixture against Uzbekistan. Addressing the media following a disappointing opening draw with DR Congo, the manager insisted that empirical data justifies the 41-year-old striker's position in the side despite growing public scrutiny.
Another major tournament, another debate raging around Portugal's continued selection of Cristiano Ronaldo. The veteran forward's anonymous performance in his country's World Cup opener against DR Congo has reignited the now-biennial discussion over whether or not he should still be starting for the Seleccao at the grand old age of 41. Although you shouldn't expect anything to actually change so long as Roberto Martinez is in charge, the manager must learn when to take action.
Premier League legend Alan Shearer has raised questions over Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence within the Portugal setup, suggesting head coach Roberto Martinez may not even be "allowed" to substitute his captain. As the 41-year-old icon competes in what is likely his final World Cup, the debate over his role in the starting XI has reached boiling point.
Cristiano Ronaldo has come under fire after Portugal were held to a draw by DR Congo in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup. Former England striker Jay Bothroyd claimed the veteran forward is becoming a burden on the team, while Roberto Martinez continues to back his captain despite growing scrutiny.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has stood firm in his support of Cristiano Ronaldo despite the veteran striker enduring a frustrating afternoon in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Selecao were held to a shock 1-1 draw by DR Congo in Houston and Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes despite struggling to affect the game, leaving fans and pundits questioning the captain's continued presence in the starting XI.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez is reportedly closing in on a move to the Saudi Pro League to link up with national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo. The Spaniard's tenure with the Selecao appears set to conclude following the 2026 World Cup, with Al-Nassr emerging as his likely next destination.
Peter Schmeichel has launched a scathing attack on Roberto Martinez, accusing the Portugal boss of repeating the same mistakes that saw him "waste" Belgium's golden generation. The legendary Manchester United goalkeeper was left fuming after a toothless Selecao were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opener.
