Roberto Martinez steps down as Belgium’s coach after early World Cup exit

Roberto Martinez has announced that he has left his position as Belgium’s national team coach after they crashed out of the 2022 World Cup following a stalemate game against Croatia.

The 49-year-old Spaniard’s contract expire after the tournament in Qatar and he said he would not seek an extension.

“My situation is very clear. This is the end for me,” Martinez said afterward, explaining his contract had expired with the end of World Cup play for Belgium. “Whatever the result of this tournament, I decided on the World Cup. It’s all about the long term. Since 2018, I could have taken many jobs. I won’t resign, it’s just ending like this.”

Martinez’s exit coincides with the likely breakup of Belgium’s “Golden Generation,” an era featuring standout attacking players like Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, and Dries Mertens.

The team was ranked No. 1 by FIFA for four years during Martinez’s tenure but never won a major tournament.

Martinez added;

“I’m a person who likes to build things. I arrived with the clear job of qualifying for the World Cup and participating in the World Cup. … Then we finish with the bronze medal and I felt I wanted to give it another go.

“It’s been a real joy being able to build an incredible legacy. I know some people only see a legacy by winning a major tournament. I see it in a different way.”

Martinez played and coached in England before he was hired by Belgium in 2016, and he still lives in England.

In addition to his coaching duties, Martinez was also appointed technical director by the Belgian soccer federation in 2020, giving him more managerial responsibility for the country’s national teams.

Belgium, ranked No.2 in the world behind Brazil by FIFA, earned 4 points unlike Morocco who topped the group with 7 points, and Croatia who had 5 points.