Adriana GarciaJul 10, 2026, 08:37 AM ET
Portugal have appointed Jorge Jesus as national team head coach on a four-year contract to run through the 2030 World Cup.
The 71-year-old was unveiled on Friday afternoon at Portugal's Football Federation (FPF) headquarters in Lisbon.
Jorge Jesus succeeds Spaniard Roberto Martínez, who departed after his contract expired following Portugal's elimination from the World Cup.
The Portuguese manager was available after leaving Al Nassr in May having guided the team to the Saudi Pro League title.
Jorge Jesus is looking forward to his first experience guiding a national team in his 36-year coaching career.
"Today we start down a new path. Welcome to the national team Mr. Jorge Jesus," the Portugal federation said in a statement.
Jorge Jesus fit the profile the FPF were looking for.
He has already coached Portugal stars Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix at Al Nassr.
He also knows Portuguese football well having guided 11 clubs in Portugal, including giants Benfica, whom he led to 10 trophies.
Jorge Jesus has also had success abroad.
He is considered the most successful coach of Flamengo, having steered the Brazilian giants to five major trophies from June 2019 to July 2020.
He also led Saudi side Al Hilal to the domestic treble in the 2023-24 campaign.
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Portugal were in a hurry to appoint a new manager and move on from their World Cup disappointment.
The 2025 Nations League winners struggled to show their best form and lost out on a spot in the quarterfinal following a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the round of 16.
Jorge Jesus' first game in charge will be on Sept. 24 when Portugal take on Wales in the Nations League Group D opener.
Source: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49323493/jorge-jesus-portugal-head-coach-world-cup-exit