Roberto Martinez in Talks with Al-Nassr Amid World Cup Challenges

Roberto Martinez is edging toward a major career pivot, with French outlet RMC Sport reporting that the Portugal head coach is in talks to take over at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

The discussions, according to the report, did not begin in the heat of the World Cup. They were already underway before the tournament kicked off, suggesting this is more than a passing flirtation and closer to a carefully prepared next step.

World Cup on one side, Al-Nassr on the other

Martinez is currently trying to steer Portugal through a tricky World Cup group, but the start has been anything but smooth. His team opened with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo on Wednesday, a result that leaves the Iberian side third in Group K.

The stalemate has immediately sharpened the focus on his future. His contract runs only until the end of the tournament, and RMC Sport reports that the former Belgium manager may already be lining up his next move once Portugal’s campaign ends.

While Portugal dropped points, the group quickly shifted again. Colombia’s win over Uzbekistan later in the day propelled them to the top of the table, adding more pressure on Martinez and his players as they chase qualification from a suddenly unforgiving section.

Ronaldo at the heart of the possible reunion

Al-Nassr is not just any destination. It is the club of Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains central to both storylines.

At 40, Ronaldo started for Portugal in that draw against DR Congo and stayed on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. His presence still defines the national team’s attack; his name also defines Al-Nassr’s global profile. A move by Martinez to Riyadh would bring him into daily club management of the same superstar he currently leads on the international stage.

The prospect is obvious: the coach who built his reputation guiding Belgium’s golden generation could soon be tasked with maximising the final years of Ronaldo’s club career in Saudi Arabia.

For now, Martinez remains on the Portugal touchline, chasing points and answers in Group K. But with his contract ticking down and talks with Al-Nassr already underway before a ball was kicked at this World Cup, the real question is not whether a decision is coming — but whether it will arrive before Portugal’s tournament story is fully written.