FIFA World Cup 2026: Jorge Jesus emerges as favourite for Portugal manager job

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Portugal experienced another agonisingly early departure from the FIFA World Cup, falling 1-0 to rivals Spain in the round of 16. A dramatic late winner from Mikel Merino ended the hopes of 41-year-old legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who was competing in his final tournament on football’s biggest stage.

In the immediate wake of the defeat, manager Roberto Martinez confirmed his resignation. Having taken the helm in 2023, Martinez stepped down, emphasising the team’s need for a “new voice, a new leader”. 

According to local Portuguese media, 71-year-old tactician Jorge Jesus is the frontrunner to fill the vacancy. Jesus, heavily respected for his prominent tenures at Benfica and Sporting CP, is a deeply familiar figure to legendary Cristiano Ronaldo. The duo recently celebrated a Saudi Pro League title together at Al Nassr this past May before Jesus left the club.

Ronaldo ends his World Cup campaign after a narrow defeat

While Ronaldo had previously confirmed that this World Cup campaign would be his last, he did not provide a definitive stance on his future with the national team, noting after the whistle that no ‘rash decisions’ will be made regarding his future in a Portugal shirt.

Throughout Ronaldo’s international career, Portugal’s tournament runs have flitted through mixed fortunes, including a fourth-place finish in 2006, round of 16 exits in 2010 and 2018, a group stage crash in 2014, and a quarterfinal run in 2022, the year his longtime rival Lionel Messi lifted the trophy. Ultimately, Ronaldo closes his World Cup journey with 27 total appearances and 11 goals.

Despite overall underwhelming team results, Ronaldo managed personal records in this edition by scoring three times across five matches. He notably struck a historic knockout goal against Croatia, making him the oldest goalscorer in World Cup knockout history at 41 years and 147 days. 

Furthermore, his earlier group-stage brace against Uzbekistan pushed his tally to 10 tournament goals, surpassing Eusebio’s iconic record to make him Portugal’s all-time leading World Cup scorer.

Ronaldo is chasing the one-thousand-goal landmark and has confirmed playing club-level football next season. However, his international future still hangs in the balance.

(With ANI input)

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