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Portugal announced Jorge Jesus as their new coach on Friday after their disappointing run at the World Cup.
The 71-year-old Jesus 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 replaces Spaniard Roberto Martinez after Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
The Portuguese national team wrote on X Friday that “A new journey begins today. Welcome to the national team, Mister Jorge Jesus.”
The hiring of Jesus as coach came two days after the Portuguese federation said it was parting ways with Martínez.
Portugal’s underwhelming performance at the World Cup sparked a debate among fans and media about the role of the 41-year-old Ronaldo. Many questioned Martínez still playing him big minutes as a forward and focused the team’s offense on trying to find the aging goalscorer.
Ronaldo, the leading scorer in men’s international football with 146 goals, said this was his last World Cup. But the global star is yet to say when he plans to retire from international play. He will be 43 when the 2028 European Championship, the next major tournament, rolls around.
Jesus, who called Ronaldo a “symbol” of Portuguese sport on Friday, said he still needs to talk to him about his future.
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“It’s a conversation we both need to have. What does he want to do for the future of his career?” Jesus told reporters at his presentation held shortly after the announcement of his appointment.
Ronaldo is under contract with his Saudi club until 2027.
Regardless of whether Ronaldo continues to play for his nation, Jesus inherits a squad full of talent, especially in midfield with Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves.
Report from the Associated Press.
