António Salvador criticizes Martínez’s call-up without Ricardo Horta.

António Salvador, president of SC Braga, did not hold back criticism of national team coach Roberto Martínez following the announcement of the 27 players selected for the 2026 World Cup, where the unexpected absence of Ricardo Horta stands out. In a strong statement on social media, Salvador described the decision as “incomprehensible” and “disrespectful,” making his displeasure clear regarding the exclusion of one of the most decisive players in Portuguese football.

Roberto Martínez recently announced the chosen ones to represent Portugal in the biggest competition in world football, highlighting the names that will make up the team. However, the absence of Ricardo Horta, an athlete who has shone at SC Braga and on the international stage, caused a real shock, especially after he was called up for the last friendlies held in Mexico and the United States.

António Salvador did not hide his “disappointment” and questioned the logic behind the coach’s decision: “I question the management made, the total disconnection between what is said and what is done, and the treatment given to a player who, at 31 years old and with the impressive career he has, should never be subjected to tests and experiments.” For the leader of the Minho club, the way the process was handled is unacceptable, especially because Horta is an experienced professional whose quality is more than proven.

The controversy intensifies as Salvador points a finger at the player’s call-up for the friendly matches, crucial moments of the season for SC Braga and Portuguese football: “Of the two possible scenarios for this call, both trouble and unsettle me. Either the coach had doubts, which would be confusing and implausible given the numerous and repeated praises for the player’s footballing, human, and behavioral qualities; or the list of 26 was already solid, which makes the call-up even offensive, as it cannot be ignored that this call-up fed, given the existing history, the expectation of a call that has now been frustrated again.”

This alert from António Salvador casts a shadow over Roberto Martínez’s strategy, raising serious questions about the transparency and coherence in the national team’s selection process. The exclusion of Ricardo Horta is not just a sporting decision, but a real shock that promises to generate controversy and discussion among fans, experts, and figures in Portuguese football.

Ricardo Horta, known for his technical ability and influence on the field, has seen his international career abruptly called into question at a time when he could have been a key player for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup. The strong reaction from the president of SC Braga reinforces the idea that this decision could be a serious mistake in the management of the Portuguese national team, which needs unity and clarity to achieve its goals.

With this unexpected exclusion, the atmosphere surrounding the national team is marked by doubts and distrust, and few remain indifferent to the controversy it has sparked. It remains to be seen how Roberto Martínez will justify this decision and whether there will be room to reverse this situation, but one thing is certain: Ricardo Horta’s absence from the 2026 World Cup is already one of the hottest topics in Portuguese football as the competition approaches.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.