Football Always Gives You Another Chance

After Portugal defeated Spain to win the 2025 UEFA Nations League, national team manager Roberto Martínez spoke to the media with visible pride and emotion. The victory marked his first international trophy in 12 years and a defining moment for a team many have dubbed a “golden generation.”

Responding to a question from Omasports.com, Martínez shared his thoughts on what the triumph meant to him and to Portugal:

“Yeah, well I think the feeling is… it’s difficult to describe because it’s an incredible satisfaction. This was the most demanding format you could have — 10 games, then the quarterfinals. We played home and away against Denmark and had to come back from behind.

We played Germany at home, Germany with a full stadium, and we had incredible personality. From every aspect we’ve grown tactically and developed concepts we can now use.

But today was about resilience, a never-die attitude, belief in each other. What we did fills me with incredible, incredible satisfaction and pride.

It’s what the players did — this is their moment. And what this trophy means for our fans is huge. We were in the Euros here and we felt disappointed losing in the quarterfinals on penalties.

I think football gives you another opportunity — and we took it. We paid our fans back. They totally deserve it.”