Portugal returns from World Cup exit, Ronaldo slips away as Martínez departs and Jesus waits in the wings

A subdued homecoming

Portugal's national team landed at Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport at 06:22 on Wednesday, 26 days after departing with hopes of World Cup glory. Around 50 supporters gathered to greet the squad, but the mood was muted following a round-of-16 exit to Spain. Only a handful of players, including Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes, stopped for autographs and photos. FPF president Pedro Proença was the first to emerge, telling journalists that the campaign "fell far short of expectations."

Ronaldo's quiet exit

Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 41 scored three goals in five matches, traveled with the team from Dallas but was not seen by fans. He left the airport immediately on a private jet, avoiding the public reception. Nine other players, among them Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and João Félix, had already left the camp in the United States before the flight. The captain has left his international future open, saying he will not make hasty decisions.

Coaching change confirmed

The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the departure of head coach Roberto Martínez, who had been in charge for three and a half years. His contract was tied to World Cup success, and the early elimination triggered the exit. Proença acknowledged the need for a swift response.

We gave this technical direction every condition. Now it's up to us to respond as soon as possible.

The search for a successor

Jorge Jesus, the 71-year-old former Benfica and Al Nassr coach, is the leading candidate to replace Martínez. Proença outlined the desired profile.

The profile of the new coach must be someone who knows Portuguese football very well, who identifies with this winning dynamic of the FPF.

He expects to have news by the end of the week. Ronaldo declined to comment on the coaching decision, stating that it is a matter for the federation.