The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced on 10/7 in Lisbon the appointment of Jorge Jesus as the national team's head coach until 2030. This marks Jesus's first role leading a national team, with immediate goals set for Euro 2028 before aiming to conquer the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host with Spain and Morocco. During his unveiling, Jesus addressed the future of Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing that the star player has "never been a problem" for the team.

Coach Jorge Jesus speaks at his introductory press conference as Portugal's head coach in Oeiras, a suburb of Lisbon, Portugal on 10/7. Photo: Abola

The 71-year-old coach expressed his gratitude to FPF President Pedro Proenca for the trust placed in him, calling it a special honor to lead his home country's team. Jesus also highlighted his responsibility to the fans, stating, "I am the coach of 12 million Portuguese people, of those who yearn to see the national team win."

One of the most discussed topics in Portugal is Cristiano Ronaldo's future. Jesus confirmed he has not yet spoken with the 41-year-old forward since his appointment but plans to meet directly with his former Al Nassr player before making any professional decisions.

"Ronaldo will never be a problem for the national team or for me. As for outside debates, everyone can have their own opinion," the new Portugal coach said. "When decisions need to be made, I will speak with Cristiano, as well as with every player. Cristiano is a symbol of Portugal. He will go down in this country's football history, and I am very happy to have had the opportunity to work with him."

Jesus and Ronaldo previously worked together successfully at Al Nassr, winning the Saudi Pro League in the 2025-2026 season. This marked Al Nassr's first league title since 2018-2019 and Ronaldo's first club title since the Italy Cup in 2021 with Juventus.

Coach Jorge Jesus (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo while working together at Al Nassr in the 2025-2026 season. Photo: Reuters

Jesus lauded Ronaldo as one of the most professional players he has ever coached, refuting suggestions that managing the superstar would be difficult.

"Working with Cristiano is very easy. The important thing is that both understand their limits and roles," Jesus stated. "But first, I need to know what he wants. Cristiano always told me he wanted to finish his career at Al Nassr. If he meets the conditions for selection, I will call him. Last season, Al Nassr played 50 matches, and Cristiano played in 31. I substituted him 16 times. We never confused the roles of player and coach."

Jesus avoided committing to Ronaldo's automatic starting spot, reiterating his experience working with many top global stars, including Neymar at Al Hilal.

"I cannot confirm Cristiano will always start. That depends on each match and what is best for the team," the coach, born in 1954, explained. "I have coached two of the three best players in the world and only lack the third. With Neymar, I once told him: 'Finish it.' With any player, including Cristiano, I will always do what is best for the collective."

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) posted a video announcing Jorge Jesus's appointment. Video: X / selecaoportugal

Jesus began his coaching career in 1990, after retiring as a player. Over nearly four decades, he has worked with 16 different teams and won 25 titles, including the Copa Libertadores, South America's premier club competition, with Flamengo in 2019. He also secured three Portuguese league titles with Benfica and one Brazilian title with Flamengo. When asked if this national team role was his biggest career challenge and how it differs from club coaching, Jesus suggested the differences are not significant. "Many tend to say that a national team coach is different from a club coach. I don't think so. The only difference is less time working with players," he said. "Football is not an exact science, but every coach has their own method. I always know how to adapt. I have prepared for today and for the professional aspects of becoming a national team coach. Therefore, this job will not be too different from working at a club."

Jesus affirmed he is not concerned about managing a dressing room filled with stars from top European clubs. He believes the Portugal squad comprises many players who have made names for themselves at club level, but this does not grant anyone special privileges. Regarding the captain's armband, Jesus initially identified five leaders: Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, and Diogo Costa.

Ronaldo (left) shoots under pressure from Aymeric Laporte during Portugal's match against Spain in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at the Dallas stadium, Texas, USA, on 6/7. Photo: AP

Jesus also lauded Portugal's youth development system, predicting the emergence of many new talents before the 2030 World Cup. He emphasized that age is not a decisive factor for selection. "The most important thing is ability. If a young player is skilled enough, they will get a chance," the 71-year-old coach stated, recalling how he previously gave opportunities to current national team players like Rafael Leao, Goncalo Guedes, Joao Cancelo, and Bernardo Silva when they were very young.

Concluding the press conference, Jorge Jesus stressed his intention to build a new identity for the Portugal national team, rather than maintaining the status quo. His tactical philosophy will differ significantly from that of his predecessor, Roberto Martinez. "My football ideas are completely different from what the national team has pursued," he declared. "I do not like to impose rigid systems or only use three midfielders. I want to build a playing style based on the characteristics of the players, because they are the ones who decide everything on the field. The coach's job is to help them maximize their abilities. I believe the team's quality is very high. My job is to help the players become better and together strive for victory."