Portugal appoints Jorge Jesus coach, who wants to talk about
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Jorge Jesus, 71, succeeds Roberto Martínez after the elimination of Portugal in the round of 16 of the World Cup. The new coach, whose last club was Al-Nassr, announces that he will discuss the rest of his international career with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Why it matters
The appointment of Jorge Jesus as Portugal coach marks a crucial turning point for the national team after a disappointing elimination at the 2026 World Cup. Jesus, with his experience at prestigious clubs like Benfica and Sporting Lisbon, is expected to revitalize the team and address essential issues, notably the future of Cristiano Ronaldo. The management of Ronaldo, who is a symbol of Portuguese football, will be decisive for the future course of the team.
Context
Jorge Jesus, as new coach, has the responsibility of redefining the strategy of the Portuguese national team after a disappointing campaign at the 2026 World Cup. His experience with high-level players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, will be essential in building a competitive team that can perform at upcoming international events.
Key points
- Portugal appoints Jorge Jesus coach, who wants to talk about.
- Jorge Jesus, 71, succeeds Roberto Martínez after the elimination of Portugal in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
- Portugal Hires New Coach Jorge Jesus, Who Plans To Discuss Ronaldo's Future | FOX Sports.
Aged 71, Jorge Jesus is a very well-known technician in Portugal, notably with Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. His last active club was Al-Nassr, in Saudi Arabia, where he had Cristiano Ronaldo under his command. The Federation relayed the nomination on the X network: "A new journey begins today. Welcome to the National Team, Mister Jorge Jesus.", welcoming the start of a "new journey" for the selection.
During his presentation, Jesus was clear on one major point: the future of Cristiano Ronaldo will be part of the discussions to be held. The coach called Ronaldo a "symbol" of Portuguese sport and said he will have to speak with the striker to find out his intentions. “It’s a conversation that we are both going to have. What does he want to do for the rest of his career?” he declared to journalists, without announcing a final decision.
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Cristiano Ronaldo, top scorer in the history of men's international football with 146 goals, said after the tournament that this World Cup would be his last. The Portuguese captain nevertheless remains silent on a specific date of international retirement and is still under contract with Al-Nassr until 2027. According to the competition calendar, he will be 43 years old at the time of the 2028 European Championship, the next major continental event.
Beyond the Ronaldo case, Jorge Jesus inherits a squad rich in talent, particularly in midfield where there are elements like Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves. The new coach will have to quickly find a balance between the experience of the executives and the necessary renewal after a World Cup deemed disappointing by some supporters and observers.
The appointment of Jesus marks the start of a new phase for Portugal, which must now focus on qualifications and preparation for the next international events. The Portuguese technician, recognized for his character and his experience in national football, will be responsible for restoring fluidity to a team which struggled to converge its forces during the last World Cup.
The wait is now on the first contact between Jesus and Ronaldo, as well as on the first tactical and sporting decisions of the coach in the weeks to come.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score of the Portugal vs Spain match at the World Cup?
Portugal lost 1-0 against Spain.
What impact did the defeat against Spain have on Portugal's ranking?
The defeat resulted in Portugal's elimination in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
Who was named Portugal coach after the World Cup?
Jorge Jesus has been named national coach of Portugal.
What is Portugal's next match after the appointment of Jorge Jesus?
Portugal's next match is not specified in the article.
What is Cristiano Ronaldo's position in the Portuguese national team?
Cristiano Ronaldo is considered a symbol of Portuguese sport and his future will be discussed by the new coach.