Portuguese FA Turn to Veteran Tactician After Martinez Exit
The Portuguese Football Federation has officially appointed Jorge Jesus as the new head coach of the Portugal national team. The 71-year-old has signed a four-year contract that will take him through to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, a tournament Portugal will co-host alongside Spain and Morocco.
Jesus steps into the role following the departure of Roberto Martinez, who announced he would step down after Portugal's disappointing round of 16 exit at the 2026 World Cup, where they lost 1-0 to Spain. The new coach arrives with an intimate knowledge of Portuguese football and a recent working relationship with national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo Factor Crucial to Appointment
Jesus and Ronaldo enjoyed a successful campaign together at Saudi club Al Nassr last season, winning the Saudi Pro League title. The appointment immediately raises questions about the 41-year-old superstar's international future. Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 tournament was his last World Cup, but he has not officially retired from international football.
Speaking at his unveiling, Jesus made his stance clear:
“As long as he's playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team.”
He added:
“[Ronaldo] is never going to be a problem for the national team. Not for the national team, nor for me. I had great pleasure working with him this past year, [it's] easy to work with him. He is a symbol of Portuguese football.”
The pair's chemistry from Al Nassr will be crucial as Portugal look to integrate a blend of experienced icons and emerging talent during the next four-year cycle.
Jesus's Trophy-Laden Pedigree
While the Al Nassr stint yielded a domestic crown, Jesus is best known for his successes in Portugal and Brazil. He won three Primeira Liga titles with Benfica (2010, 2014, 2015) and a historic domestic treble with Saudi side Al Hilal in the 2023-24 season. However, his most remarkable achievement came with Flamengo in 2019, when he won five major trophies in a single year, including the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian league title.
This blend of tactical acumen, man-management, and experience across continents convinced the Portuguese federation to hand him a long-term deal aimed at building toward a home World Cup.
First Challenges and the Road to 2030
Jesus will take charge of his first game on 24 September, when Portugal face Wales in their UEFA Nations League Group D opener. That match will offer an early glimpse of his tactical setup and whether he intends to build around Ronaldo long-term.
The ultimate goal, however, is the 2030 World Cup. With the tournament on home soil, expectations will be sky-high. Jesus's contract ensures continuity and a clear project, but also immense pressure. The federation is banking on his proven ability to deliver silverware and his successful relationship with the most iconic figure in Portuguese football history.
Quick Facts:
New Coach: Jorge Jesus
Age: 71
Contract: Four years, until 2030 World Cup
Previous Role: Head coach, Al Nassr (2025-2026)
Notable Achievements: Copa Libertadores 2019 (Flamengo), 3x Portuguese league titles (Benfica), Saudi Pro League 2026 (Al Nassr)
Key Takeaways
- Jorge Jesus appointed Portugal head coach on a four-year deal, reuniting with Cristiano Ronaldo after their title-winning season at Al Nassr.
- Jesus publicly commits to selecting Ronaldo “as long as he is in condition,” describing him as a “symbol of Portuguese football.”
- The veteran coach brings a trophy-laden CV including a Copa Libertadores and multiple domestic titles in Portugal and Saudi Arabia.
- Portugal’s first game under Jesus will be a Nations League clash against Wales on 24 September, with the long-term focus firmly on the 2030 World Cup co-hosted at home.
- The appointment signals stability and a clear project aimed at ending a long wait for major international silverware.