Portugal have officially appointed Jorge Jesus as their new head coach, handing the experienced Portuguese manager responsibility for leading the national team through June 2030.
The 71-year-old replaces Roberto Martínez, who stepped down after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The agreement gives Jesus the opportunity to oversee an entire international cycle that will include the UEFA Nations League, Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.
The appointment marks Jesus’ first job in international management after a coaching career spanning 37 years.
He spent much of that career in Portugal, most notably with Benfica and Sporting CP, while also enjoying successful periods abroad with Flamengo, Al Hilal and Al Nassr. His résumé includes domestic league titles in Portugal, Brazil and Saudi Arabia, along with the Copa Libertadores.
Jesus arrives after guiding Al Nassr to the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title. His familiarity with Cristiano Ronaldo immediately becomes one of the major storylines surrounding the appointment.
Ronaldo scored 29 goals in 33 appearances under Jesus last season. Although the 41-year-old confirmed that the 2026 tournament was his final World Cup, he has not announced his retirement from international football.
That leaves Jesus with an important early decision.
Portugal must determine whether Ronaldo remains part of the immediate project or whether the national team begins a complete transition toward its younger attacking options. Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Ramos, Francisco Conceição and João Félix are among the players who could take on greater responsibility during the next cycle.
The squad still contains significant talent beyond its forwards.
Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, João Neves, Nuno Mendes, Rúben Dias and Diogo Costa provide Portugal with the foundation to remain among Europe’s strongest national teams. The challenge for Jesus will be turning that depth into consistent success during major tournaments.
Portugal won Euro 2016 and captured the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, but the World Cup continues to remain beyond their reach. Their 2026 elimination against Spain ended another tournament earlier than expected and brought Martínez’s tenure to a close.
Jesus now inherits a team entering an important transition.
His contract provides time to reshape the squad, establish a clear tactical identity and prepare Portugal for a 2030 World Cup that the country will help host alongside Spain and Morocco.
The expectations will be significant. Portugal are no longer satisfied with simply qualifying or competing respectably.
Jesus has been hired to build another championship team.
