Jorge Jesus Appointed New Portugal National Football Team Head Coach

Kathmandu. Jorge Jesus has been appointed as the new head coach of the Portuguese national football team. He has been appointed on a four-year contract until the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host.

Former coach Roberto Martinez had announced his resignation from his post after Portugal was defeated 1-0 by Spain in the Round of 16 of the World Cup. Martinez had been in the role of Portugal's coach since January 2023.

The 71-year-old Portuguese coach Jesus has already worked with national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo as the head coach at Al Nassr for one year. They also won the Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr last season.

After Portugal's exit from the World Cup, 41-year-old Ronaldo had confirmed that this was his sixth and final World Cup. However, he has not made any official comment about retiring completely from international football. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner with a contract until 2027 with Al Nassr, has been described by coach Jesus as a 'symbol' of Portuguese football.

Speaking on Friday, Jesus said that as long as Ronaldo is playing and in a position to be selected, he will include him in the team under the most suitable conditions and terms for the national team.

He clarified that although he has not spoken to Ronaldo yet, Ronaldo will never be a problem for the national team or for him. Jesus shared his experience of working with Ronaldo last year, stating that it was very pleasant and easy to work with him.

Jesus's first match as Portugal's coach will be against Wales in the Nations League Group 'D' on September 24. Portugal will co-host the World Cup with Spain and Morocco in four years.

Jesus, who previously won the domestic treble with Saudi club Al Hilal in the 2023-24 season, won three league titles as manager of Portuguese club Benfica in 2010, 2014, and 2015. He also achieved success with Brazilian club Flamengo, winning five major trophies including the Brazilian title and Copa Libertadores in 2019.