India, July 7 -- Roberto Martinez stepped down as Portugal manager on Monday after the team's heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 in Arlington, Texas, saying the national team now needs a "new voice."

The Spaniard took charge of Portugal in 2023 after an impressive spell with Belgium, whom he guided to their best-ever World Cup finish - third place in 2018 - before taking them to the top of the FIFA rankings. Martinez had hoped to go one step further with Portugal and help Cristiano Ronaldo win the one major trophy that had eluded him throughout his illustrious career. Although Portugal reclaimed the UEFA Nations League title in 2025 under his leadership, their World Cup campaign ended with a Round-of-16 exit.

Having fa...