Martinez Emerges As Contender For Netherlands Head Coach Job
Former Belgium and Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has emerged as a leading candidate for the vacant Netherlands national team coaching position, with talks reportedly already taking place over the role.
The 53-year-old Spaniard is currently without a club or national team appointment after leaving Portugal following their elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to reports from De Telegraaf, Dutch technical director Nigel de Jong has held discussions with Martinez about the position. De Jong is also said to have travelled to Malaga for a face-to-face meeting with the former Everton manager.
Martinez brings considerable international experience to the table. He spent six years in charge of Belgium, guiding the Red Devils to third place at the 2018 World Cup after their semi-final defeat to eventual champions France.
Belgium also reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 under Martinez before losing to eventual winners Italy. His tenure ended after Belgium suffered a disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Martinez subsequently took charge of Portugal, leading the team through Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup. Portugal lost to France on penalties in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals before suffering a late defeat to Spain in the round of 16 at this year's World Cup.
The Netherlands are searching for a successor to Ronald Koeman, who left the post after the Dutch were eliminated by Morocco on penalties in the round of 32.
Several Dutch coaches are reportedly reluctant to take over the national team. Arne Slot, Erik ten Hag and Peter Bosz have all been linked with the position but are said to have declined interest.
That situation could force the Dutch Football Association to look abroad, potentially making Martinez the first foreign coach to lead the Netherlands since Ernst Happel in the 1970s.
With his extensive experience at major international tournaments, Martinez could now become a serious contender as the Netherlands seek a new direction.
The 53-year-old Spaniard is currently without a club or national team appointment after leaving Portugal following their elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to reports from De Telegraaf, Dutch technical director Nigel de Jong has held discussions with Martinez about the position. De Jong is also said to have travelled to Malaga for a face-to-face meeting with the former Everton manager.
Martinez brings considerable international experience to the table. He spent six years in charge of Belgium, guiding the Red Devils to third place at the 2018 World Cup after their semi-final defeat to eventual champions France.
Belgium also reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 under Martinez before losing to eventual winners Italy. His tenure ended after Belgium suffered a disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Martinez subsequently took charge of Portugal, leading the team through Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup. Portugal lost to France on penalties in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals before suffering a late defeat to Spain in the round of 16 at this year's World Cup.
The Netherlands are searching for a successor to Ronald Koeman, who left the post after the Dutch were eliminated by Morocco on penalties in the round of 32.
Several Dutch coaches are reportedly reluctant to take over the national team. Arne Slot, Erik ten Hag and Peter Bosz have all been linked with the position but are said to have declined interest.
That situation could force the Dutch Football Association to look abroad, potentially making Martinez the first foreign coach to lead the Netherlands since Ernst Happel in the 1970s.
With his extensive experience at major international tournaments, Martinez could now become a serious contender as the Netherlands seek a new direction.
