JORGE JESUS REUNITES WITH RONALDO AS NEW HEAD COACH OF PORTUGAL

Jorge Jesus began his coaching career in 1990 with Portuguese club Amora

Jorge Jesus has been appointed head coach of Portugal for a four-year term that will last until the 2030 World Cup, which the country will co-host.

After Portugal lost to Spain 1-0 in the tournament's round of 16 this summer, former manager Roberto Martinez said he would be leaving his position, which he had held since January 2023.

During his one-year tenure as head coach of Al Nassr, Portuguese Jesus, 71, collaborated with Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of the national team, and the two won the Saudi Pro League championship last season.

Ronaldo announced that this World Cup would be his sixth and final after Portugal's elimination on Monday, but he hasn't made any formal remarks regarding his complete retirement from international football.

The 41-year-old five-time Ballon d'Or winner, whose contract at Al Nassr expires in 2027, is a "symbol of Portuguese football," according to statements made by Jesus on Friday.

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 to [Ronaldo] yet. [He] will never cause problems for the national team. Neither for the national team nor for myself.I had a great time working with him last year, and he's easy to work with."

During his first tenure as manager of Portuguese team Benfica in 2010, 2014, and 2015, Jesus won three league titles. He also won a domestic treble with Saudi club Al Hilal in the 2023–24 season.

During his one year with Flamengo, the Portuguese also had success in Brazil, where he won five major titles, including the Copa Libertadores in 2019 and the Brazilian title.
Jesus' first game as manager will be Portugal's first Nations League Group D fixture against Wales on September 24.
Portugal, Spain, and Morocco will co-host the World Cup in four years.