Jorge Jesus named Portugal head coach, signs contract through 2030 World Cup
Jorge Jesus has signed a four-year contract to become the new head coach of the Portugal national team, succeeding Roberto Martínez after the team's World Cup round-of-16 exit. The 71-year-old will be presented on Friday, the 10th anniversary of Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph.
Appointment confirmed
Jorge Jesus has signed a four-year contract with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) to become the new head coach of the national team, valid until 2030. The 71-year-old replaces Roberto Martínez, whose contract expired after Portugal's elimination by Spain (1-0) in the World Cup round of 16. The official presentation is scheduled for Friday, July 10, at 15:00 local time at the Cidade do Futebol, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Portugal's Euro 2016 victory.
Who can say no to the national team? I already said no to one of the best national teams in the world, I cannot say no to another.
Coaching staff and Pepe's refusal
Jesus will bring five assistants from his previous club Al Nassr: João de Deus, Márcio Sampaio, Rodrigo Araújo, Gil Henriques, and Fábio Jesus. Former Portugal defender Pepe was invited to join the technical staff but declined the offer. Pepe had been considered as an option had Sérgio Conceição been appointed instead.
Financial terms
The coach's annual salary is set at 4.5 million euros gross, a figure similar to what Martínez earned, but intended to cover the entire technical team's compensation. This represents a significant reduction from his earnings at Al Nassr.
Career milestone
This is Jesus's first national team role in a coaching career spanning nearly 40 years and 16 clubs, including Benfica (where he won 10 trophies), Sporting, Flamengo (Brazilian league and Copa Libertadores winner), Al Hilal, and Fenerbahçe. He left Al Nassr in May after winning the Saudi league title with Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix in the squad.
- Contract signed with Portuguese Football Federation until 2030
- Official presentation at Cidade do Futebol, 10th anniversary of Euro 2016 win
- First match in charge: Nations League vs Wales at Estádio de Alvalade
- World Cup co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco
First test and long-term goals
Jesus will debut on September 24 in a Nations League match against Wales at Estádio de Alvalade, a stadium he knows well from his time at Sporting. Portugal aims to qualify for Euro 2028 and prepare for the 2030 World Cup, which the country will co-host with Spain and Morocco.
Praise from coaching community
Henrique Calisto, president of the National Coaches Association, called Jesus "an excellent choice" citing his deep knowledge of Portuguese football and tactical mastery. "He is a charismatic leader, assertive, and knows how to handle egos," Calisto said, adding that Jesus's trademark frankness should not change in the national team role.
