Jorge Jesus named Portugal manager after Martinez's World Cup exit

Portugal have appointed Jorge Jesus as their new head coach, the national team confirmed on Friday, ending the search for a successor to Roberto Martinez following a disappointing World Cup campaign.

Martinez’s tenure came to a close after Portugal were eliminated in the round of 16, beaten 1-0 by Spain. Jesus, 71, steps into the role with a wealth of experience at the top of Portuguese football, having previously managed Benfica and Sporting Lisbon before taking charge of Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

The Portuguese Football Federation announced the appointment on X, writing: “A new journey begins today. Welcome to the National Team, Mister Jorge Jesus.”

Jesus departed Al-Nassr last month after one year in charge. During his tenure, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack, the club claimed the Saudi Pro League title by two points from Al-Hilal — their first championship since Ronaldo’s arrival in December 2022.

The appointment raises immediate questions about Ronaldo’s international future. The 41-year-old, who is the leading scorer in international football history with 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal, has confirmed the World Cup in the United States was his last, but has stopped short of announcing his retirement from the national team entirely.

“I won’t be making any rash decisions,” Ronaldo said after the defeat to Spain. “I gave it my all. I did my best and I’m leaving with a clear conscience.”

Ronaldo finished the tournament with three goals — a brace against Uzbekistan and a penalty in a 2-1 win over Croatia — but was unable to influence the loss that ended Portugal’s campaign. He was reflective about his overall legacy, pointing to Portugal’s 2016 European Championship triumph as the defining moment of his international career.

“I’ve won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title,” he said. “The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup. I leave with a clear conscience and giving my best to Portugal.”

Whether Jesus’s appointment — and the familiarity between the two from their time at Al-Nassr — will factor into Ronaldo’s decision on his international future remains to be seen.