Following Roberto Martínez's resignation as Portugal head coach after the national team's Round of 16 elimination by Spain at Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 6, the Federação Portuguesa de Futebol (FPF) has appointed Jorge Jesus as the new head coach on a four-year contract.
The 71-year-old will lead Portugal through to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host with Spain and Morocco.
Speaking on Friday, Jesus praised national icon Cristiano Ronaldo, who has confirmed that the 2030 World Cup will be his sixth and final tournament, although he has not officially announced his retirement from international football.
"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 are best for the national team," Jesus said.
He added that the 41-year-old, five-time Ballon d'Or winner, whose contract with Al Nassr runs until 2027, remains "a symbol of Portuguese football."
"I haven't spoken with Ronaldo yet. He is never going to be a problem for the national team, nor for me. I had great pleasure working with him this past year. He's easy to work with," Jesus added.
Jesus worked with Ronaldo during his one-year spell as Al Nassr head coach, where they won the Saudi Pro League title last season. He will now take charge of Portugal, with his first match set to be a UEFA Nations League Group D opener against Wales on September 24.
The FPF's long-term focus is the 2030 FIFA World Cup, and the appointment of Jesus reflects that ambition. His résumé includes a domestic treble with Al Hilal during the 2023–24 season and three Portuguese league titles with Benfica in 2010, 2014 and 2015.
The Portuguese coach also enjoyed a successful spell in Brazil with Flamengo, winning five major trophies, including the Brazilian Serie A title and the Copa Libertadores in 2019.