LISBON, Portugal — Veteran manager Jorge Jesus is set to be appointed as the new head coach of the Portuguese national team, replacing Roberto Martínez following Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup, multiple sources have confirmed.
The 71-year-old Portuguese tactician has reached a “full agreement” with the Portuguese Football Federation and will be unveiled at a press conference on Friday in Lisbon. Jesus, who left Saudi club Al-Nassr in May after winning the Saudi Pro League title, is expected to sign a four-year contract running until the 2030 World Cup, a tournament Portugal will co-host alongside Spain and Morocco.
End of an Era for Martínez
The appointment comes just days after Spain eliminated Portugal in the round of 16 with a 1-0 defeat. Martínez, who had been in charge since 2023 and led Portugal to the 2025 Nations League title, stepped down following the team’s disappointing exit. His departure clears the way for Jesus to take over the national team for the first time in his nearly 40-year managerial career.
A Veteran Manager’s First National Team Role
Jesus, who began his coaching career in 1989, has managed a dozen clubs in Portugal, including Lisbon rivals Benfica and Sporting CP. He enjoyed his most prolific spell at Benfica, where he won three Primeira Liga titles and reached two consecutive Europa League finals between 2009 and 2015. Overseas, he has managed Brazilian club Flamengo, winning the Copa Libertadores and the Brasileirão in 2019, as well as Turkey’s Fenerbahçe and Saudi clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.
The Ronaldo Factor
One of the most intriguing aspects of Jesus’s appointment is his relationship with Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo. The two worked together at Al-Nassr, where Jesus guided the club to the Saudi Pro League title with Ronaldo in the squad. Following Portugal’s World Cup exit, the 41-year-old five-time Ballon d’Or winner confirmed this would be his sixth and final World Cup, though he did not definitively rule out continuing his international career.
Surprise Appointment in Technical Staff
In a surprising move, Jesus has reportedly extended a direct invitation to former Portugal international Pepe to serve as his assistant, a decision that has generated significant interest among Portuguese football circles. The 41-year-old centre-back, who played in his final World Cup in 2022, would bring valuable experience and continuity to the new coaching setup.
Financial Terms
Jesus has reportedly accepted a significant salary reduction to take the role, agreeing to earn approximately €4 million per year — considerably less than the estimated €12 million he earned in Saudi Arabia. His first match in charge is scheduled for September 24 at Alvalade against Wales in the Nations League, where Portugal will defend the title they won in 2025.
A New Chapter for Portuguese Football
Known for his passionate and demanding style, a stark contrast to his predecessor’s diplomatic approach, Jesus is widely regarded alongside José Mourinho as one of Portugal’s most successful coaches over the past two decades. The FPF’s decision to appoint an experienced domestic figure signals a clear intent to build continuity through the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 World Cup on home soil.
As the federation prepares to officially announce the appointment, Portuguese fans will hope the fiery veteran can revitalise a talented squad and deliver the success that has eluded the national team since its 2016 European Championship triumph.
