Cristiano Ronaldo's former head coach set for Portugal role after World Cup exit
Portugal have reportedly lined up Jorge Jesus as a replacement for Roberto Martinez after the European powerhouse's World Cup 2026 exit at the hands of Spain
Portugal has reportedly identified Cristiano Ronaldo's former head coach to assume the vacant managerial role following Roberto Martinez's resignation.
The European nation's World Cup campaign ended in disappointment with a 1-0 defeat to neighboring rivals Spain in the Round of 16. Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino netted a decisive late strike to knock out Ronaldo's squad - bringing the curtain down on the Manchester United and Real Madrid icon's international career.
71-year-old manager Jorge Jesus secured the Saudi Pro League title while coaching Ronaldo at Al-Nassr before unexpectedly departing after merely one season. He is now reportedly poised to assume leadership of Portugal, where he could potentially reunite with the legendary attacker. It comes as the USA were eliminated from the World Cup on the same day, leaving Dave Portnoy furious before throwing his jersey in the trash.
Multiple outlets are reporting that Jorge Jesus will be appointed within the next few days.
Martinez's deal with Portugal had expired, and he announced his exit immediately following Portugal's World Cup elimination, reports the Mirror US.
He said: "It's true that this is my last game for the Portuguese National Team. I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think that, without winning, it doesn't make sense to continue."
Martinez faced scrutiny over his handling of Ronaldo, particularly allowing the 41 year old to remain on the pitch for the full 90 minutes against Spain - with numerous supporters demanding Goncalo Ramos be introduced. The PSG No.
9 boasts an outstanding scoring record for Portugal, registering a goal contribution every 37 minutes and placing sixth in FIFA World Cup history for minutes per goal, netting once every 47 minutes. He also delivered the 94th-minute winner in Portugal's 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32.
Despite this, Martinez opted against bringing him on against Spain, instead fielding Ronaldo throughout the entire match.
Addressing that call and his decision to start the 41 year old in every fixture, Martinez stated: "Physically, Cristiano was fully fit to play 90 minutes. He creates space, adapts to situations. Perhaps in extra time it would have been good to have Gonçalo Ramos, but that wasn't the strategy today.. Jesus is set to take over after leading Al-Nassr to a Saudi Pro League championship, something he had reportedly promised Ronaldo he would do before leaving.
Jesus is set to assume the role after guiding Al-Nassr to a Saudi Pro League title, a feat he had allegedly promised Ronaldo he would achieve before departing.
He said: "I accepted this challenge only because I told Cristiano: 'I will help you become champion, we will win the trophy, and then I will leave.' That's it. For me, the mission is complete."
Former Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has been appointed to succeed Jesus at Al-Nassr, with the 71 year old Portuguese coach now eyeing his first venture into international management.
