Portugal appointed 71-year-old Jorge Jesus as national team coach on July 10, 2026, following the departure of Roberto Martinez two days earlier. Jesus previously coached Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, and Al-Nassr, where he worked with Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal had exited the World Cup in the round of 16 after a 1-0 loss to Spain.
No left-leaning sources covered this
“Portugal hires Jorge Jesus as its new coach after disappointing World Cup”
Read at Associated Press →“'Ronaldo will never be a problem': New Portugal coach Jesus”
Read at Times of India →The appointment reflects a pattern of selecting older, domestically connected coaches and centering Ronaldo's legacy after the early exit.
“Emphasis on insider networks, age, and lack of diversity or renewal”
Portugal chose a coach with domestic pedigree and experience alongside Ronaldo to prioritize results and continuity.
“Focus on proven experience, merit, and institutional stability over generational change”
The federation freely selected Jesus via contract based on his club record, consistent with individual and organizational choice.
“Highlight on voluntary agreements and performance-based accountability”
All views overstate Ronaldo's centrality and under-examine Jesus's short tenures and untested international fit after the Spain loss.
“Points to missing managerial data and shared narrative assumptions”
Ratings by MBFC