Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears after Portugal's World Cup exit, but his former club manager Jorge Jesus has now been handed the task of leading the national team into the 2030 tournament. Jesus, 71, signed a four-year contract on 10 July 2026, replacing Roberto Martinez, who stepped down after Portugal's round-of-16 defeat to Spain. Jesus previously coached Ronaldo at Al Nassr, where they won the Saudi Pro League, and has made clear he wants the 41-year-old to continue playing for Portugal.
Jesus began his coaching career in 1990 and has won league titles in Portugal (three with Benfica), Brazil (Copa Libertadores and Brazilian title with Flamengo), and Saudi Arabia (treble with Al Hilal). His first match in charge will be Portugal's Nations League Group D opener against Wales on 24 September. Portugal are co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Morocco, giving Jesus a long-term mandate to build a squad for that tournament.
“Jorge Jesus becomes Portugal head coach; what it means for Ronaldo and the national team.”
The key question is what happens with Ronaldo's international future. Ronaldo confirmed during the World Cup that it would be his sixth and final World Cup, but he has not announced full retirement from international football. His sister claimed during the tournament that he had already decided to retire this summer. Jesus, however, said: "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." He added that Ronaldo is "a symbol of Portuguese football" and that age is not an issue, noting Ronaldo covered eight kilometres per match with sprints above 25 km/h.
For UK readers, Portugal's Nations League match against Wales on 24 September will be the first chance to see Jesus's impact. The appointment also highlights the growing influence of Saudi Arabian football on European national teams, with Jesus having managed both Ronaldo at Al Nassr and Al Hilal. With Ronaldo potentially playing into his mid-40s, his presence could affect Portugal's attacking options and the development of younger players.
Q: Will Cristiano Ronaldo retire from international football after the World Cup? Not yet. Ronaldo said the 2026 World Cup was his last, but new manager Jorge Jesus wants him to continue and will speak with him individually. Jesus said he will pick Ronaldo as long as he is playing and in condition, within certain limits.
Q: What has Jorge Jesus won as a manager? Jesus won three Portuguese league titles with Benfica (2010, 2014, 2015), five major trophies with Flamengo including the Copa Libertadores in 2019, and a domestic treble with Al Hilal in 2023-24. He also won the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr in 2025-26.
Q: When is Portugal's next match under Jorge Jesus? Portugal's first game under Jesus is a Nations League Group D match against Wales on 24 September 2026. They will also face Spain and Morocco in the group, but the exact fixture order will be announced later.
What happens next: Jesus will prepare for the Nations League matches and hold talks with Ronaldo about his future. Portugal's path to the 2030 World Cup, which they co-host, will involve qualifying matches in 2028-29. The immediate focus is on the Nations League, where Portugal face Wales, Spain, and Morocco in Group D.