The Portuguese Football Federation has appointed Jorge Jesus as the new head coach of the national team, just two days after their elimination from the World Cup round of sixteen against Spain. The appointment brings an end to Roberto Martínez’s tenure with the Seleção.
At 71 years old, Jesus returns to international management with a clear focus on the future, specifically targeting Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host. The timing of the appointment suggests a desire for immediate rebuilding and preparation for these upcoming tournaments.
Jesus is familiar with several key players in the Portugal squad, having previously managed Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he secured the league title. This existing relationship is expected to facilitate a smoother transition and potentially unlock the full potential of these star players. According to reports, Jesus has already indicated that Ronaldo will not be a problem and has spoken positively about the forward.
Jesus’s departure from Al-Nassr has paved the way for this return to national team management. He leaves the Saudi club having achieved success in a relatively short period, demonstrating his ability to build a winning team. The Portuguese Federation will be hoping he can replicate this success with the national side, which under Martínez failed to live up to expectations at the recent World Cup.
The appointment of Jesus signals a clear intention from the Portuguese FA to revitalize the national team and build a competitive squad for the challenges ahead. His experience and existing relationships with key players are seen as crucial assets in this endeavor. This move could also be viewed as a vote of confidence in Cristiano Ronaldo’s continued role within the national team setup.
