​Jorge Jesus has been appointed as Portugal’s new head coach on a four-year contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host alongside Spain and Morocco. Portugal’s campaign at this summer’s tournament ended with a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, and the former boss Roberto Martínez had already announced his departure after holding the position since January 2023.
Jesus, 71, has previously collaborated with Portugal’s captain Cristiano Ronaldo during his year-long tenure as head coach of Al Nassr. The duo together won the Saudi Pro League title last season. After Portugal exited this week, Ronaldo confirmed that this World Cup would be his sixth and final appearance, though he has not issued an official statement about retiring from international football. Speaking on Friday, Jesus described Ronaldo as a “symbol of Portuguese football.”
He said: “As long as he’s playing and in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team. I haven’t spoken with him yet. He’s never going to be a problem for the national team, nor for me. I had great pleasure working with him this past year; it’s easy to work with him.”