Roberto Martinez: Latest News, Wife, and Everton Sacking

Roberto Martínez has always had a way of surprising football fans. The Spanish manager who led Belgium’s golden generation to a World Cup bronze now faces a new chapter after stepping down as Portugal head coach in July 2026.

Born: 13 July 1973 ·
Nationality: Spanish ·
Current role: Recently departed manager of Portugal ·
Previous roles: Belgium, Everton, Wigan, Swansea ·
Major trophy: FA Cup 2013 (Wigan Athletic) ·
World Cup best: Bronze medal 2018 (Belgium)

The table below captures the essential biographical markers that define Roberto Martínez’s profile. Nine data points, one pattern: a manager who has crossed leagues, countries, and languages — but whose identity remains firmly rooted in his Spanish upbringing and his Welsh family.

Is Roberto Martinez leaving Portugal?

The short answer: he already has. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed on 8 July 2026 that it had ended its contractual relationship with Martínez and his coaching staff Reuters (official body). His departure followed a 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup round of 16 Reuters.

He told ESPN that the defeat would be his last match with Portugal, saying it “would not make sense to continue” ESPN (sports news outlet). The 2026 World Cup exit ended a tenure that included a UEFA Nations League win in 2025 and a Euro 2024 quarter-final appearance Reuters.

What is the current status of his contract with Portugal?

• Contract ran through the 2026 World Cup; terminated by mutual agreement after the tournament.
• The federation said it “officially ended” the relationship with Martínez and his staff Reuters.
• No compensation figures were disclosed.

Has he been linked to other jobs?

• Rumors link him to the vacant manager position at a Premier League club, though no official talks have been confirmed.
• Spanish media speculate he could return to La Liga, where he has not managed since leaving Spain early in his career.

What are the rumors about his future?

• Some reports suggest he may take a sabbatical before accepting a new role.
• Others indicate interest from Belgium’s top division, but no credible sources have confirmed.

Bottom line: Roberto Martínez left Portugal on his own terms after a World Cup exit. He is now a free agent. Club owners: a proven tournament winner with language skills and a modern tactical approach. Fans: he may take time before deciding his next move.

The implication: Martínez walks away from international management with his reputation intact but with questions about his knockout tournament record unanswered.

What is Roberto Martinez doing now?

As of mid-July 2026, Martínez is without a managerial position for the first time since 2009. He has not announced any immediate plans beyond spending time with his family in Lisbon The Guardian (respected broadsheet).

What is his role with Portugal?

• He was head coach from January 2023 to July 2026.
• He managed 40 matches, winning 28 and drawing 7, according to ESPN ESPN.
• Major achievements: Nations League 2025, Euro 2024 quarter-finals.

Where does he live?

• Martínez and his family have a home in Lisbon, having relocated there after his appointment.
• They previously lived in Cheshire, England, during his Everton and Belgium spells.

How much is he paid?

• Reported salary at Portugal was in the range of €3-4 million per year, though exact figures are not publicly confirmed.
• His salary was not disclosed by the Portuguese federation.

The pattern: Martínez has always moved quickly between roles, so a period of inactivity signals either careful deliberation or a lack of suitable offers.

Who is Roberto Martinez’s wife?

Martínez married Bethan (Beth) Martinez, a Welsh native he met during his playing days at Wigan Athletic Wikipedia. The couple has two children and has maintained a low profile throughout his managerial career.

What is his family background?

• Martínez was born in Balaguer, Catalonia, Spain.
• His father was a hotelier; his mother a homemaker.
• He left Spain at age 22 to play for Wigan Athletic, eventually settling in England.

Does he have children?

• Yes, two children — names not publicly disclosed to protect privacy.
• They have lived in various countries due to his managerial moves.

What this means: Martínez’s bilingual household reflects the cultural bridge he has built throughout his cross-border career.

Why did Everton sack Martinez?

Everton dismissed Martínez in May 2016 after three seasons in charge BBC Sport (public service broadcaster). The club’s statement said results had not been good enough, but the deeper issue was a defensive record that saw Everton concede 58 goals in his final season.

What were the results?

• Finished 11th, 12th, and 11th in the Premier League — a decline after his first season’s 72 points and 5th-place finish.
• In his third season, Everton won only 11 of 38 league matches.
• Defensive weakness: 58 goals conceded, second-worst in the top half of the table.

How long did he manage Everton?

• Three seasons: June 2013 to May 2016.
• He succeeded David Moyes and was hired after winning the FA Cup with Wigan.

What was the reaction?

• Fans had grown dissatisfied with a perceived lack of tactical flexibility and poor away form.
• Many supporters were split — some credited him for an attractive style in his first season, others pointed to mounting losses.
• The sacking came after a 3-0 loss to Sunderland, which sealed 11th place.

The pattern: Martínez’s Everton tenure showed the same arc that would later play out at Belgium and Portugal — early promise followed by defensive frailty at critical moments.

Does Roberto Martinez speak Portuguese?

Yes. Martínez learned Portuguese after being appointed Portugal head coach in January 2023. He made a point of communicating with players in their language during press conferences The Guardian (interviewer).

What languages does he speak?

• Spanish (native)
• English (fluent, learned during his playing days in England)
• Portuguese (conversational)

How did he learn Portuguese?

• He took lessons after his appointment.
• He said in an interview: “I want to communicate with the players in their language.”

Is he fluent?

• He is reportedly conversational but not fully fluent; he uses Portuguese in team talks and occasionally in press conferences.
• His effort was widely praised by Portuguese media as a sign of respect for the culture.

The catch: Language skills alone could not prevent the defensive issues that ultimately defined Martínez’s tenure in Portugal.

For clubs weighing their next appointment, the pattern is clear: Martínez delivers group-stage dominance but has struggled in single-elimination tournaments since the 2018 World Cup. The Portuguese federation praised his professionalism, but the decision to part ways signals that results, not sentiment, drive top-level football. For Martínez, the next choice is whether to rebuild his reputation in club football or wait for another international call.

For more on his current situation, see the detailed analysis of Roberto Martinezs contract and future with Portugal.

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