‘Leading Candidate' for Portugal Job Has Cristiano Ronaldo Ties

The leading candidate to take over for Roberto Martinez as the manager for the Portugal national team has ties to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Martinez previously announced his contract was set to expire shortly after the team’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the Round of 16.

“Yes, this is my last game with the national team,” Martinez said. “I’m proud. I’ve had 45 games, and I felt welcomed in Portugal, and loved. It’s a memory I’ll take with me always. It was a pleasure, a source of pride, and responsibility. It’s hard, but it’s the end of a cycle and in the context it makes absolute sense.”

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Now Jorge Jesus is considered the “leading candidate” for the job.

Sources told ESPN that Jesus, 71, is the FPF’s preferred choice to guide the team through to the 2030 World Cup. The Portugal native is a free agent having left Al-Nassr in May shortly after guiding the team to the Saudi Pro League title.

At Al-Nassr, Jesus coached Portugal stars Ronaldo and Joao Felix. Ronaldo previously announced the 2026 World Cup would be his last.

“I’m sad to leave the World Cup this way,” he said. “As I said yesterday, I gave it my all, and I leave with a clear conscience. That’s the life of a footballer. You have to move forward. It was my last World Cup, yes. But as for the rest, there’s time to think, to be with my family, and not say things in the heat of the moment.”

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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 11:41 AM.