Next Portugal manager contenders with Roberto Martinez set for post World Cup exit

We assess the managerial candidates in the frame to replace Roberto Martinez as Portugal boss amidst speculation the Spaniard is set to end his tenure in charge following the World Cup.

Whilst no official announcement has been made, it's being heavily reported that Martinez informed the Portuguese FA of his decision prior to the start of the tournament.

The former Swansea City, Wigan Athletic and Everton manager's contract is set to expire next month, and whilst the FA were believed to be keen to extend his stay, Martinez himself wishes to pursue a fresh opportunity.

The 52-year-old was a somewhat surprise appointment in January 2023, taking over the reins of Fernando Santos whose spell in the hotseat came to an end after Portugal were beaten by Morocco in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

Martinez's first tournament in charge culminated in a penalty shootout defeat at the hands of France in the last eight of Euro 2024, having previously been in charge of Belgium when they were dumped out of the group stages in Qatar four years ago.

His likely departure will offer a new name the opportunity to take charge of one of the sport's legitimate heavyweights. but who are the names who could be in the mix to fill the role.

We take a look at three potential options below...

Jose Mourinho

Yes, Jose Mourinho may only have just sealed an emotional return to Real Madrid, but his name will undoubtedly crop up if and when Martinez does officially vacate his role.

The revered Portuguese has long been linked with the post, and whilst he has never ruled out international management, it would come as an almighty surprise if he could be talked out of making a swift exit from the Bernabeu.

It was reported in April that Mourinho was the Portuguese FA's number one target should they be on the hunt for a new manager at the end of the World Cup, but with the former Chelsea and Manchester United boss now back in the Spanish capital, they will likely need to cast their net elsewhere.

Luis Freire

Luis Freire has wasted no time in making a significant impact in charge of Portugal Under 21 side, with many knowledgeable national journalists touting him for the top job in the future.

Whether this opportunity proves to be too big for him at this moment in time remains to be seen, but he could certainly be a viable contender.

At just 40 years of age, Freire is remarkably experienced having held permanent managerial positions in both the top and second tier of Portuguese football.

A true student of the game, very much in the Mourinho mould, the former Rio Ave and Nacional boss was handed his first foray into international management last year when he was brought in to help nurture Portugal's finest young talent.

Since replacing Rui Jorge last summer, his side have remained unbeaten and with the national team likely set to start blooding the next generation of stars in the coming years, he could be the perfect man to help them make the transition to the senior set-up.

Abel Ferreira

Portuguese-born Abel Ferreira would undoubtedly excite the folk of his homeland given his prolific title-winning credentials in South America.

The former Sporting CP star has cemented himself as one of the most forward-thinking and dynamic coaches in world football since taking over the reins of Brazilian giants Palmeiras in 2020.

Since his appointment there, he has won almost 60 percent of his 435 matches in charge, helping the club to a plethora of trophies including two domestic top-flight titles, the Coa do Brasil, Supercopa do Brasil, the Copa Libertadores and three triumphs in the Cameonato Paulista.

Still just 47, Abel, as he is more commonly known in South America, would certainly inject a winning mentality into the senior international setup of his home nation.