Roberto Martinez could return to international management just weeks after ending his three-and-a-half-year spell in charge of Portugal.
The 53-year-old stepped down following Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign, which ended with a 1-0 defeat against eventual champions Spain in the last 16.
His departure brought another significant international chapter to an end. Martinez had guided Portugal to Nations League glory in 2025 after taking charge in January 2023.
Before that, he spent six-and-a-half years managing Belgium. He led them to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals before they eventually secured third place.
Martinez’s experience at international level has now put him in contention for another major position following a managerial vacancy created during the World Cup.
According to De Telegraaf, the Netherlands are considering Martinez as their next manager, with the Spaniard holding talks with KNVB technical director Nigel de Jong over the position.
The Netherlands need a new head coach after Ronald Koeman ended his second spell following their World Cup elimination. Morocco knocked them out on penalties in the round of 32.
Several other prominent managers have also been considered for the vacancy. However, Arne Slot, Erik ten Hag and Peter Bosz have reportedly passed up the opportunity.
Slot has indicated that he currently prefers remaining in club management, while Louis van Gaal has publicly expressed interest in returning for a fourth spell.
However, the KNVB have not contacted him. Martinez’s appointment would represent a significant historical change for the Netherlands.
Austrian Ernst Happel was the last foreign manager to lead the national team, leaving the position in June 1978. However, completing an agreement may still prove difficult.
Martinez’s lawyer Jesse de Preter has acknowledged the KNVB’s traditional preference for Dutch managers while also raising concerns about potentially significant financial differences.
Nevertheless, discussions with Martinez have opened the possibility of a rapid return to management after his departure from Portugal.
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