Portugal appoints Jorge Jesus as new coach amid Ronaldo controversy

Portugal has named Jorge Jesus as its new head coach, replacing Roberto Martínez after the team's elimination in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Jesus, 71, signed a contract through the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host. He previously coached Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr and has a decorated club career Source: abc.es.

The Ronaldo debate

Following Portugal's exit, former French World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff accused Ronaldo's teammates of "boicoteando" (boycotting) him on the pitch. "Se nota que su propio equipo lo ha boicoteado... No le han pasado el balón, no le han creado las mejores condiciones," Djorkaeff said on RMC's After Foot Source: infobae. This echoes earlier tensions, including teammate João Neves' comment that Ronaldo is "just another player" Source: emol.cl. Djorkaeff specifically criticized Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes for not shouldering responsibility.

Jesus's stance on Ronaldo

Jorge Jesus addressed Ronaldo's future, saying, "Nunca será un problema para la selección ni para mí" and that he will decide based on performance. "Cuando creía que tenía que jugar, jugaba; cuando creía que no, no jugaba," he stated, referencing their time at Al-Nassr Source: heraldomx. Ronaldo confirmed the World Cup was his last but left his overall international career open, declaring, "He ganado tres títulos con Portugal; antes de Cristiano, Portugal no tenía ningún título" Source: elconfidencial.