In the passionate world of Portuguese football, many names echo down the years — coaches, tacticians, legends. Yet among them, one figure stands tallest in the record books when it comes to guiding the national squad: the most successful Portugal national team manager. In this article, AvigGoal will take you on a journey through history, records, and trophies to show who truly earns that crown — and whether anyone is catching up.
The criteria for “most successful”
Before we crown anyone, let’s settle what “most successful” should mean in this context. For a national team manager, success is measured not just by longevity or win rate, but by:
- Trophies won (major international titles)
- Consistency in major tournaments (World Cup, European Championship, Nations League)
- Total matches and win rate
- Legacy and impact on the national team’s identity
With those benchmarks, we can compare the leading contenders across eras.
The top contenders in Portugal’s history
Portugal has had many managers over the decades, but a few stand out when it comes to achievements, influence, and records.
Luiz Felipe Scolari: The bridge-builder
Luiz Felipe Scolari, a Brazilian, took over the Portugal national team in 2003. Under “Felipão,” Portugal reached the final of Euro 2004 (on home soil) and the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup. His record in charge included 74 matches, with 42 wins, 18 draws, and 14 losses.
He brought renewed belief to the squad and delivered deep runs in major tournaments, though without clinching a major trophy.
Carlos Queiroz & Paulo Bento: the steady operators
Carlos Queiroz had two stints with Portugal (early 1990s, and later in the 2008–2010 era). He earned respect for strong qualifying campaigns and developing young talent, though success in final tournaments was limited.
Paulo Bento succeeded him and delivered qualification to Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup, reaching the semi-finals of the Euros. But neither manager claimed titles at the highest level.
Fernando Santos: the title-winner
Then came Fernando Santos in 2014, whose era transformed expectations for Portugal. Over 109 matches in charge, he amassed 67 wins, 23 draws, and 19 losses. His win rate hovers around 72% on the international stage.
Under his guidance, Portugal achieved two historic breakthroughs:
- Euro 2016 champions — Portugal’s first major international title
- UEFA Nations League 2019 — another trophy to the cabinet
These accomplishments alone set him apart.
Why Fernando Santos is the definitive answer
When assessing all metrics, it becomes clear: Fernando Santos is the most successful Portugal national team manager.
Trophy haul and milestone wins
No other Portugal coach before him delivered a major title. Santos not only did so — he added two. That marks a step change in Portuguese national team history.
Record and consistency
His 109-match span, with a high win percentage, outstrips many in terms of both volume and quality. His tenure was stable, and Portugal remained competitive across tournaments.
Lasting legacy
He helped define a new era. Portugal became feared, resilient, tactically disciplined. Messi, Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes — all navigated their prime years under that banner. His style, mistakes, and triumphs will be debated for decades.
Are there challengers in the modern era?
While Santos remains the reference point, some newer names are rising in conversation.
Roberto Martínez: the fresh chapter
Appointed in 2023, the Spanish coach Roberto Martínez is the first non-Portuguese (or Brazilian) manager of Portugal. His early record is strong. Under him, the team continues to win and remains a contender in major tournaments. While he has yet to add a major trophy with Portugal alone, his progress is one to watch.
If he manages to secure silverware — particularly in a European Championship, a World Cup, or another Nations League — he could mount a challenge to Santos’s status. However, at present, his legacy is still being written.
Quick comparison: what sets Santos apart?
|
Metric |
Fernando Santos |
Closest Rivals |
|
Major titles won with Portugal |
2 (Euro + Nations League) |
None |
|
Matches as manager |
~109 |
Scolari ~74, Bento < 50, Queiroz varied |
|
Win rate (approx) |
~72% in national matches |
Lower in most cases |
|
Influence & identity |
Elevated Portugal to elite status |
Strong periods, but not transformational |
These lines of comparison all tilt decisively toward Santos when the word “most successful” is under scrutiny.
Lessons from Santos’s reign for future managers
- Trophy-winning with a national side requires more than talent — mental strength, strategy, and adaptability matter.
- Longevity is rewarded: being trusted through cycles gives opportunity to grow.
- Building identity: players must buy in to a system.
- Succession is key: passing the torch (e.g. to Martínez) without collapse is the mark of a healthy program.
Final Thoughts
As the most successful Portugal national team manager, Fernando Santos redefined what the Selecção could achieve. He turned a proud football nation into a champion on the international stage — something his predecessors could not. While new challengers like Roberto Martínez are crafting their own chapters, Santos’s legacy stands tall today.
If you’re curious about Roberto Martínez’s results, comparisons with other nations, or deeper stats from Santos’s matches — AvigGoal is here. Dive into our articles for head-to-heads, match reports, and profiles of Portugal’s greatest era under its most successful coach.
