Roberto Martínez (born 13 July 1973) is a Spanish former professional footballer and a manager. He established a reputation for progressive, possession-oriented tactics during a managerial career that has included roles in English club football and the Belgium national team. His profile combines a playing background in midfield with a managerial style that emphasizes ball retention, positional play and building attacks from defence.
Playing career and early development
Martínez was a professional midfielder whose playing career was spent in Spain and later in the United Kingdom. He transitioned into coaching while still involved as a player, gaining experience in the lower tiers of English football where he developed the tactical ideas that would shape his later managerial approach. His time on the field as a ball-playing midfielder informed his preference for technical, possession-based systems.
Managerial career and style
He began managing in the British game and rose to prominence with Wigan Athletic, after managing at clubs including Swansea City at an earlier stage. Martínez became widely known for implementing a possession-oriented style even with clubs of modest resources. He combined emphasis on building from the back, flexible positional roles and patient ball circulation. Critics have sometimes argued that his teams can be vulnerable on counter-attacks, while supporters point to improved technical quality and coherence in attack.
Major achievements and international work
- Led Wigan Athletic to one of the club’s most celebrated moments by winning the FA Cup final, a high-profile upset.
- Managed Everton in the Premier League, consolidating the club in the top flight and competing in domestic competitions.
- Appointed manager of the Belgium national team, taking charge of a highly rated generation of international players and guiding them to a podium finish at a recent World Cup.
For further details about his playing history and biography see his biography. Information on his record with the national side can be found at the Belgium team page: Belgium national team.
Legacy and notable facts
Martínez is regarded as part of a wider trend of managers who favour possession and technical play over more direct approaches. His FA Cup success with Wigan and his podium finish with Belgium at the World Cup are often cited as signature accomplishments. His career illustrates a path from player to coach to international manager, and he remains a prominent contemporary figure in debates about modern football tactics.