#NationsLeague - Portugal’s Punch-Back: Roberto Martínez, Ronaldo & the Art of Resilient Winning
- Romy Kraus
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Martínez’s Portugal isn’t just winning. A fresh, values-first team with squad depth and emotional force just lifted the Nations League trophy. But this is only chapter one.
Portugal’s national team just shook Europe — and not just because of a trophy. Under Roberto Martínez, this isn’t the same old Seleção. It’s not only about Cristiano Ronaldo or technical brilliance anymore. This squad is deep, values-driven, and fiercely resilient. After taking down Spain in a dramatic 2–2 (5–3 pens) Nations League final in Germany, Portugal proved they’re not just contenders — they’re built for big moments.
At the center of it all is Martínez, a Catalan-born coach who started his career in England’s lower leagues and rose to global prominence managing Belgium’s golden generation. He took over Portugal in January 2023 with a clear goal: modernize, energize, and deliver silverware. He’s done that already. Now the journey continues—with eyes on Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.
The Lowdown
Martínez’s Portugal has now won its first title since Euro 2016.
This squad isn’t top-heavy. It’s 16-17 players strong at an elite level.
Emotional maturity matters: Ronaldo’s tears told the story.
Martínez brings over two decades of player + coaching experience.
Portugal’s tactical identity mixes adaptability with emotional grit.
Euro 2024 prep looks sharp: 10 wins, 36 goals, 2 conceded in qualifiers.
The World Cup 2026 run starts vs Armenia—shortest qualifying cycle ever.
“Confidence, resilience, trust… Quality helps you win ties, but values win trophies.”
Martínez broke down the team’s transformation in one line. Portugal used to rely on moments of individual brilliance. Now? They win with depth, character, and unity.
Over 30 games, Portugal became not just a skilled team—but a psychologically tuned one. Not many squads can go goal down twice to Spain and still look unbothered.
“We don’t just have 10 players, we have sixteen, seventeen all on the same level.” – Roberto Martínez
“Background noise is part of football… I’m proud to bring satisfaction to our fans.”
Martínez didn’t come to clap back at critics. His joy was rooted in giving something back—to fans in Germany, to immigrant communities, to the locker room. Legacy, not ego.
“Criticism can be healthy or malicious… what matters is what we build in the group.” – Roberto Martínez
“The captain is essential to create the values…”
Cristiano Ronaldo cried post-match. But the story wasn’t just about his tears—it was about leadership. Ronaldo’s role wasn’t just technical; he became the emotional compass.
“He has the experience… we use his strength.” – Roberto Martínez
“No greater challenge than Germany away… but this is just the beginning.”
Portugal didn’t coast through this tournament. They battled Denmark, outlasted Germany in their backyard, then outplayed Spain. Every win mattered.
“This final four is a foundation—we’ve got 12 months to build more.” – Roberto Martínez
“I left my hometown at 16… and I dedicate this to my father.”
For Martínez, this win was layered. He referenced Balaguer, his father, and the path that led him here—from youth football in Zaragoza to the Premier League, Belgium, and now Portugal.
“My passion is football… I feel great satisfaction now.” – Roberto Martínez
Quickfire / What’s Next
Q: Is Portugal now a World Cup favorite?A: “Tonight we celebrate. But yes—shortest ever qualification, and we respect Armenia, Hungary, Ireland. Preparation starts now.”
Q: Tactical switch-ups?A: “Tactics came second in a final. We tweaked with Rafael Leão wide, Bernardo Silva’s position—what mattered was resilience.”
🇵🇹 How We Got Here: Portugal’s New Era Under Martínez
Appointed in January 2023, Martínez quickly redefined Portugal’s football DNA. Gone is the cautious post-Euro-2016 conservatism. In comes fluidity, squad rotation, and record-breaking wins:
10 wins in 10 Euro 2024 qualifiers, with 36 goals scored and only 2 conceded.
Ronaldo reborn: 10+ goals under Martínez at 38, averaging 0.81 goals/game.
The biggest win in team history: 9–0 vs Luxembourg.
This Portugal isn’t just defending tradition. It’s rewriting it—with squad players stepping up (João Neves, António Silva), old guards evolving (Bruno, Bernardo, Ruben Dias), and CR7 leading
emotionally.
📈 Legacy in Motion
Martínez becomes the third foreign coach in Portugal’s history, and arguably the most impactful since Scolari. His contract runs until July 2026, with sights set on three peaks:
Euro 2024
World Cup 2026
A generational rebuild based on values, not vibes.
