Jorge Jesus has been appointed as Portugal’s new head coach on a four-year contract that will take him through to the 2030 World Cup.
Portugal are co-hosting that tournament alongside Spain and Morocco, giving the new appointment added significance as the nation prepares to shine on home soil.
Jesus, 71, takes over following Portugal’s early exit from this summer’s World Cup, where they were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the last 16.
Former head coach Roberto Martinez had already announced he would step down from the role he had held since January 2023 following that defeat.
The appointment reunites Jesus with national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo, with the pair having worked together during Jesus’ one-year spell as Al Nassr head coach in Saudi Arabia.
The duo enjoyed success together at Al Nassr, lifting the Saudi Pro League title last season and forming what Jesus has described as a straightforward working relationship.
Speaking on Friday, Jesus made clear that Ronaldo remains central to his plans, describing the 41-year-old five-time Ballon d’Or winner as a “symbol of Portuguese football.”
Jesus confirmed he intends to keep selecting Ronaldo, saying: “As long as he’s playing and is 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.”
The new Portugal boss also moved to dismiss any suggestion that Ronaldo could become a disruptive presence within the squad, stating: “I haven’t spoken with [Ronaldo] yet. [He] is never going to be a problem for the national team. Not for the national team, nor for me.”
Jesus added warmly: “I had great pleasure working with him this past year, [it’s] easy to work with him.”
Ronaldo’s contract at Al Nassr runs until 2027, and following Portugal’s exit on Monday he confirmed this tournament was his sixth and final World Cup, though he has made no official announcement about retiring fully from international football.
Jesus will not have long to wait before getting started in his new role, with Portugal’s Nations League opening Group D fixture against Wales scheduled for 24 September.
The experienced coach brings a trophy-laden CV to the Portugal job, having won three league titles during his first spell in charge of Benfica in 2010, 2014 and 2015.
Jesus also tasted major success in Brazil with Flamengo, winning five major trophies including the Brazilian title and the Copa Libertadores during his one-year spell in 2019.
More recently, he claimed a domestic treble with Saudi club Al Hilal during the 2023-24 season, further underlining his credentials as one of the most decorated Portuguese coaches of his generation.
