JORGE JESUS will be the new Portugal head coach as he looks forward to a Cristiano Ronaldo reunion.
The Al-Nassr boss has been appointed to the role on a four-year deal that will run until the 2030 World Cup.
Jorge Jesus has been named as Portugal’s new head coach Credit: EPA
Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo lifted the Saudi Pro League title last season Credit: AFP
Roberto Martinez stepped down from the role following the nation’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the last 16 of the World Cup.
Portugal failed to impress at the Fifa tournament with their headline 5-0 win coming against debutants Uzbekistan.
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Following their 1-1 draw against DR Congo, talisman Ronaldo broke his four year goalless streak on the international stage.
But now Jesus, 71, is all set to replace Martinez – who held the role since January 2023 – having already lifted the Saudi Pro League title with Ronaldo.
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The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker announced on Monday that it would be his sixth and final World Cup.
But he has not officially commented on retirement from international football.
Portugal’s hopes will be lifted in the wake of Ronaldo’s departure with the impressive record of their new boss.
Jesus claimed the domestic treble with Al Hilal in the 2023/24 season.
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He also lifted three league titles during his first stint as Benfica manager in 2010, 2014 and 2015.
And to add to it Jesus’ one-year stint with Flamengo provided five major trophies including the Brazilian title and the Copa Libertadores in 2019.
On Friday, Jesus added that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is still a “symbol of Portuguese football” with his Saudi contract running until 2027.
Praising the striker, he added: “As long as he’s playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team.
“I haven’t spoken with [Ronaldo] yet. [He] is never going to be a problem for the national team. Not for the national team, nor for me.
“I had great pleasure working with him this past year, [it’s] easy to work with him.”
But it was super sub Mikel Merino’s injury time winner sent Portugal packing.
They will now look ahead to their Nations League opening Group D game against against Wales on 24 September.
Portugal will then co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Morocco.
World Cup 2026 – all the info
The knockout stages of the World Cup are hotting up as we head towards the business end of the tournament.
England believe football might finally be coming home after 60 years of hurt, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on fire.
But the likes of France, Spain and Argentina are all serious contenders to go all the way.
Heavyweights Germany, Netherlands, Brazil and Portugal have all been knocked out.
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