Portugal Coaching Change
Portugal Appoints Jorge Jesus as New Head Coach Following World Cup Exit, Ronaldo's Future Uncertain
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Portugal has appointed Jorge Jesus as its new head coach, ending the country's search for a manager after Roberto Martinez resigned following a 1-0 defeat by Spain at the World Cup, according to The Independent. Jesus, 71, is a well-known name in Portuguese football, having previously managed Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, and most recently Al-Nassr — the Saudi club where Cristiano Ronaldo plays.
The appointment raises immediate questions about Ronaldo's international future. The 39-year-old forward has not confirmed whether he will continue playing for Portugal, and it remains unclear how Jesus plans to use him, Yahoo Sports reported.
Martinez Out After Spain Defeat Ends Portugal's World Cup
Roberto Martinez stepped down as Portugal manager after the team lost 1-0 to Spain at the World Cup. The Spaniard had been in charge since 2022, guiding Portugal through qualifying but failing to deliver a deep tournament run. His exit opened the door for the Portuguese Football Federation to look for a home-grown replacement, according to The Independent.
Martinez's departure was swift. Portugal did not publicly drag out the process. Within a short period, the federation turned to Jesus — one of the most experienced Portuguese coaches available — and confirmed his appointment.
Jorge Jesus Brings Deep Domestic and Saudi Experience
Jesus has managed some of the biggest clubs in Portugal. He won league titles with Benfica and had a successful spell at Sporting Lisbon. He also coached Flamengo in Brazil, where he won the Copa Libertadores in 2019 — one of the biggest club prizes in South American football, The Independent reported.
His most recent job was at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, the club where Ronaldo plays. That shared history could help build a strong working relationship — or it could complicate decisions about the squad's direction going forward, according to Yahoo Sports.
Ronaldo's Portugal Future Hangs in the Balance
Ronaldo, now 39, has not said whether he plans to keep playing for Portugal. He holds the record for most international goals ever, with 130 strikes for his country. But his age and Portugal's need to plan for the future make his continued involvement a real question, The Independent noted.
Jesus knows Ronaldo well from their time together at Al-Nassr. That personal connection may give Jesus more influence over Ronaldo's decision than an outside coach would have. Still, no public statement has come from either side about what comes next.
What Jesus Inherits: A Talented Squad Needing Direction
Portugal's squad has no shortage of quality. Players like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leão give the team real depth beyond Ronaldo. The challenge for Jesus is to shape these players into a winning system — and to do it fast, with more competitive games ahead.
Jesus takes charge of a nation that expects results. Portugal has won the European Championship in 2016 and the Nations League in 2019. Falling short at the World Cup has added pressure on the federation to deliver a clear plan, according to Yahoo Sports.
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