Portugal Appoints Jorge Jesus, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Former Al-Nassr Coach, as National Team Manager

The Portuguese Football Federation announced on Friday the appointment of Jorge Jesus as the new head coach of Portugal's national team. The 71-year-old coach signed a four-year contract that will run through the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host with Spain and Morocco. Jesus replaces Roberto Martinez, who stepped down after Portugal's elimination in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup following a 1-0 loss to Spain.

A key issue with Jesus’s appointment is the future of Cristiano Ronaldo in the national squad. Jesus worked closely with the veteran star last season at Al-Nassr, where together they led the club to the Saudi league title. Ronaldo, who stated after the World Cup exit that it was his sixth and final World Cup, has not yet announced his retirement from international play.

Jesus described Ronaldo as "a symbol of Portuguese football" during his first press conference and said, "As long as he plays and is fit enough to be called up, I will select him, within the limits and conditions I believe are best for the team." Jesus also noted he has not yet spoken to Ronaldo since his appointment but emphasized that Ronaldo "will never be a problem for the team or for me," praising his professionalism.

Jesus’s first match in charge will be on September 24, when Portugal opens its UEFA Nations League campaign at home against Wales. Jesus has a distinguished coaching career, having led Benfica to three Portuguese league titles in his first tenure and achieving a historic treble with Saudi club Al-Hilal in the 2023/24 season. He also enjoyed major success in Brazil, winning the Brazilian league and Copa Libertadores with Flamengo in 2019, along with three other trophies.