He “crushed” the coach after he was left out of the World Cup squad: “He doesn't know anything…”
Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published Friday, 15 May 2026, 09:40 / Updated Friday, 15 May 2026 09:41
Al Taawoun striker Roger Martinez (31) has publicly expressed his displeasure after being left out of Colombia's preliminary 55-man squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The player took to social media to harshly criticize the decisions of coach Nestor Lorenzo (60).
Roger Martinez harshly criticized the Colombian coach
In a post, the striker supported his inclusion on the list, highlighting his individual performance.
“Unbelievable. Colombia's second top scorer – 23 goals in 30 games with two games to play, fighting to be the best of the season in a championship that is better than many, with some of the best players in the world.
Every chance I got, I never shied away, even when I wasn't playing my natural position a lot of times, but you don't know anything. More of the same. But that's it,” thundered the Colombian. Later, his agency issued a statement to calm spirits, and the player, however, wished his compatriots the best of luck.
Currently 31 years old, Roger Martinez has been playing for Al Taawoun since January 2025. In addition to his 23 goals, the player has also recorded two assists this season. In the national team of Colombia, he has 28 selections and 4 goals scored.
His career includes important periods at Racing in Argentina and America in Mexico. In 2024, he scored in Racing's 3-1 win over Cruzeiro in the Copa Sudamericana final. The last time Martínez represented Colombia was in October 2024, already under Nestor Lorenzo. Then, he started in the 0-1 loss to Bolivia, but was on the field for only 23 minutes.
Colombia is in Group K of the 2026 World Cup, along with Portugal, DR Congo and Uzbekistan.
