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Portugal announced Jorge Jesús as its new coach on Friday after its disappointing run at the World Cup.
Jesús, 71, has coached several Portuguese clubs, including Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. His last job was with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Arabian league, where he coached Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo.
The experienced Portuguese coach will replace Spaniard Roberto Martínez after Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
The Portuguese team wrote on Friday in X that “Today a new journey begins. Welcome to the team, Mr. Jorge Jesús.”
The hiring of Jesús as coach came two days after the Portuguese federation said it was parting ways with Martínez.
Portugal’s disappointing run at the World Cup sparked debate among fans and media over the role of the 41-year-old Ronaldo. Many questioned whether Martínez continued to play important minutes as a forward and focused the team’s attack on trying to find the aging scorer.
Ronaldo, top scorer in men’s international soccer with 146 goals, said this was his last World Cup. But the global star has yet to say when he plans to retire from international play. He will be 43 years old when Euro 2028, the next big tournament, arrives.
Jesús, who on Friday called Ronaldo a “symbol” of Portuguese sport, said he still needs to talk to him about his future.
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“That’s a conversation we’re both going to have. What does he want to do for the future of his career?” Jesús told reporters in his presentation that took place shortly after his hiring was announced.
Ronaldo has a contract with his Saudi club until 2027.
If Ronaldo continues to play for his nation, Jesús inherits a team full of talent, especially in midfield with Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves.
Information from The Associated Press.
