Portugal National Football Team Sack Manager Fernando Santos

Roberto Martínez Replaces Him

Other Contenders

After a disappointing World Cup campaign, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has decided to part ways with manager Fernando Santos.

Santos, who led Portugal to victory at Euro 2016, had been under increasing pressure following the team's elimination from the World Cup quarter-finals by Morocco.

The FPF has appointed Roberto Martínez as Santos' replacement. Martínez, who previously managed Belgium, has signed a contract until the end of the 2024 European Championship.

Martínez, a former defender, has a strong track record in international management. He led Belgium to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and to the top of the FIFA world rankings for three years.

Other contenders for the Portugal job included José Mourinho, Paulo Fonseca, and Jorge Jesus.

Mourinho, who is currently manager of Roma, was reportedly the FPF's first choice but turned down the offer.

Fonseca, who is currently manager of Lille, was also in the running but was not offered the job.

Jesus, who is currently manager of Fenerbahçe, was considered a long shot for the job but was ultimately not appointed.

The FPF will be hoping that Martínez can lead Portugal to success at the 2024 European Championship, which will be held in Germany.

Portugal will be looking to improve on their performance at the 2022 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Morocco.

Martínez will have a number of key players at his disposal, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and João Félix.