The Portuguese Football Federation made it official on Friday. Jorge Jesus is the new manager of the national team, taking over after a disappointing World Cup exit that ended Roberto Martinez’s run.
Jesus is 71 years old and has been around the block a few times. He’s coached Benfica and Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, and most recently he spent a year at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. That last job is the one that connects him directly to Cristiano Ronaldo, who played under Jesus last season in the Saudi Pro League.
The timing works out. Jesus left Al-Nassr last month after leading the club to a league title — their first since Ronaldo joined in December 2022. They beat Al-Hilal by two points. Now he steps into a national team role that comes with one massive subplot: what happens with Ronaldo’s international future.
Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the round of 16 at the World Cup. Ronaldo scored three goals in the tournament but couldn’t find a way through against Spain. After the loss, the 41-year-old said he won’t play in another World Cup but left the door open for staying with the national team in some capacity.
“I’ve won three titles for Portugal,” Ronaldo said. “Before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title. 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.”
He added a clear statement about his mindset: “I leave with clear conscience and giving my best to Portugal. Tomorrow will be a new day and then life will go on.”
Ronaldo’s stats are staggering. He has 146 goals in 233 international appearances, making him the most decorated player in international football history. But at 41, the clock is ticking differently now. He admitted he was sad about how the World Cup ended but said he won’t make any rash decisions about retirement.
What Jesus Brings to the Job
Jesus isn’t a young up-and-comer. He’s an experienced tactician who has won titles in Portugal, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. He knows Portuguese football deeply, having managed the two biggest clubs in the country. His relationship with Ronaldo is the obvious headline, but he’s also worked with most of the current Portugal squad’s generation at some point in his career.
The federation’s announcement on X was simple: “A new journey begins today. Welcome to the National Team, Mister Jorge Jesus.” No grand promises. Just a handshake and a new chapter.
The Ronaldo Question Hangs Over Everything
Nobody knows yet whether Jesus’s arrival convinces Ronaldo to extend his international career or if this is the natural off-ramp. Ronaldo himself said he needs time to reflect and be with his family before making any decisions. The guy has played 233 times for his country. That’s a lot of miles.
One thing that’s clear: Portugal has a new boss with a direct line to its most famous player. Whether that helps or complicates things remains to be seen.
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