Portugal are preparing to begin a new era after choosing Jorge Jesus to take charge of the national team following the departure of Roberto Martinez.
Jesus is expected to be officially presented as Portugal’s new head coach on Friday, July 10, 2026.
The decision comes shortly after Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup and the end of Martinez’s spell in charge.
The Portuguese Football Federation moved quickly to identify a replacement, turning to one of the country’s most experienced and recognisable coaches.
Reports indicate that Jorge Jesus has agreed a four-year contract to lead Portugal until 2030.
The long-term deal gives the veteran coach an opportunity to build a new project rather than focusing on a single tournament.
Jesus will be expected to manage an important transition involving experienced stars and a new generation of Portuguese talent.
A contract running until 2030 also reflects the federation’s desire to create greater stability around the national team.
The appointment follows the end of Roberto Martinez’s time as Portugal head coach.
The Spanish coach departed after Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
The 1-0 defeat brought Portugal’s campaign to an end and was followed by Martinez’s departure.
The federation quickly began searching for a replacement, with Jesus emerging as the leading candidate.
Jorge Jesus brings more than three decades of coaching experience to the role.
The 71-year-old knows Portuguese football extremely well after successful spells with clubs including Benfica and Sporting CP.
He has also worked outside Portugal, gaining major experience in Brazil and Saudi Arabia.
Jesus is known for his strong personality, tactical ideas and experience managing high-profile players under significant pressure.
Those qualities are likely to have played an important role in Portugal’s decision.
The appointment creates an interesting reunion between Jorge Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The two previously worked together at Saudi club Al Nassr, meaning the new Portugal coach already knows the national team captain well.
That previous relationship could become important as Portugal make decisions about Ronaldo’s international future.
However, the exact role of the veteran forward under Jesus has not yet been confirmed.
Ronaldo’s future is expected to become one of the main talking points when the new coach is officially presented.
Jesus returns to Portuguese football following another spell in the Saudi Pro League.
During his time at Al Nassr, he worked with several high-profile players, including Cristiano Ronaldo.
Managing Portugal will now present a very different challenge.
Jesus has spent most of his career in club football and will need to adapt to the limited preparation time available at international level.
Jorge Jesus is one of the most prominent Portuguese managers of his generation.
He enjoyed major success with Benfica and also coached Sporting CP.
His reputation grew internationally during his highly successful spell with Flamengo in Brazil.
Jesus has also worked extensively in Saudi Arabia, adding further international experience to a coaching career spanning more than three decades.
Jesus will face several important decisions from the beginning of his tenure.
His first challenge will be rebuilding confidence following Portugal’s 2026 World Cup elimination.
He will also need to make decisions about several experienced players while introducing younger talent into the squad.
Creating a clear tactical identity will be another priority.
Portugal possess a deep pool of players competing in Europe’s leading leagues, ensuring expectations will remain high.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future will be one of the biggest questions surrounding the beginning of the Jesus era.
The coach’s previous experience working with Ronaldo at Al Nassr gives him direct knowledge of the player.
However, any decision about the captain’s future will depend on several factors, including fitness, form and Ronaldo’s desire to continue playing international football.
Jesus may provide the first clues about his plans during his official presentation.
Portugal are preparing to begin a new chapter under one of the country’s best-known coaches.
Friday’s official presentation will provide Jesus with his first opportunity to outline his vision and objectives.
With a reported contract running until 2030, the veteran coach will have time to build a long-term project following the disappointment of the 2026 World Cup.
Attention will now turn to his first decisions, the future of Cristiano Ronaldo and the direction Portugal will take under their new head coach.