​Jorge Jesus is poised to assume the role of Portugal’s head coach after Roberto Martinez stepped down in the wake of their World Cup exit, a source told AFP on Thursday. At 71 years old, Jesus has reached a “full agreement” with the Portuguese Football Federation and is expected to be formally introduced at a press conference in Lisbon on Friday, the source added.
Spaniard Martinez resigned following Cristiano Ronaldo’s side suffering a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup last-16 clash. Jesus, who left Saudi club Al-Nassr last May, is set to sign a four-year contract that would keep him in charge through the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal jointly hosts with Spain and Morocco.
Jesus is a well-traveled veteran manager who has overseen a dozen Portuguese clubs, including Lisbon powerhouses Benfica and Sporting. His international coaching CV also features stints abroad with Flamengo in Brazil, Fenerbahce in Turkey, and Saudi sides Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr—the latter period during which he coached Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the wake of Portugal’s elimination on Monday, Ronaldo—now 41 and a five-time Ballon d’Or winner—confirmed that this World Cup would mark his sixth and final tournament, though he did not specify whether he plans to extend his international career beyond it.
Martinez had led Portugal since 2023, and under his management the national team won the Nations League in June 2025. The forthcoming appointment of Jesus signals a new chapter for Portugal as they prepare for the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the Portuguese federation alongside Spain and Morocco.