Martínez exits as Portugal coach after Ronaldo's final World Cup loss to Spain
Martínez confirmed his departure as Portugal head coach following their 1-0 Round of 16 loss to Spain at Dallas' AT&T Stadium on July 6, with Mikel Merino's 91st-minute winner ending Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth and final World Cup appearance. Martínez, who took charge in 2023 after Belgium, noted his contract was set to expire post-tournament anyway.
For Nigerian fans, Ronaldo's WC journey ends after inspiring generations across Africa with his 50+ international goals and record six tournaments. Portugal's exit—despite featuring Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves—highlights how fine margins decide knockout games, as Martínez insisted it wasn't failure but a loss to a favorite where "you fail when you don't try to win" and "a ball that hits the woodwork" can decide tournaments.
Martínez defended keeping the 41-year-old Ronaldo on pitch despite chasing an equalizer, stating "you can't take Cristiano Ronaldo off when you need a goal." His two-year stint ends with Euro 2024 quarter-final and World Cup R16 exits, prompting Nigerian coaches and fans to reflect on loyalty versus tactical pragmatism in crucial matches as local seasons resume. This marks the end of an era for both Ronaldo's WC career and Portugal's recent golden generation push.