Jorge Jesus appointed Portugal head coach on four-year deal, invites legend Pepe as assistant

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has moved swiftly to appoint Jorge Jesus as the new head coach of the national team, with the 71-year-old signing a four-year contract that will keep him at the helm through to the 2030 World Cup. The official announcement is scheduled for Friday—a date heavy with symbolism, as it marks the 10th anniversary of Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 triumph in France.

Jesus takes over from Roberto Martínez, whose tenure ended following Portugal’s Round of 16 exit to Spain at the 2026 World Cup. The FPF, led by president Pedro Proença, identified Jesus as the priority candidate to lead the national team through the next international cycle.

Financial Sacrifice for National Pride

The former Al-Nassr manager will earn approximately €4 million gross per year in his new role—a significant reduction from the €12 million he commanded in Saudi Arabia. According to reports, Jesus has accepted a salary roughly one-third of his previous earnings, effectively forgoing two-thirds of his Al-Nassr wages to take charge of his country.

Sources close to the negotiations described the deal as “the easiest contract to sign of Jorge Jesus’s career,” with the veteran coach having previously stated he could never say no to the national team. The contract covers the UEFA Nations League, Euro 2028, and the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host alongside Spain and Morocco.

Pepe to Return as Assistant

In a move that has electrified Portuguese football, Jesus has personally invited legendary defender Pepe to join his coaching staff as an assistant. The 141-cap icon, who retired from international football after Euro 2024, is expected to accept the challenge.

Jesus views Pepe’s extensive experience, leadership, and authority in the dressing room as invaluable assets for the new cycle. The former Real Madrid stalwart had recently turned down a similar opportunity to join José Mourinho’s staff at Real Madrid, but the prospect of returning to the national setup appears to have swayed him.

Technical Staff Taking Shape

Jesus will bring his trusted backroom team, including assistant coaches João de Deus and Fábio Jesus, fitness coach Márcio Sampaio, and analysts Rodrigo Araújo and Gil Henriques. Former Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo is expected to continue as goalkeeping coach, while Ricardo Carvalho may also remain in his role.

The FPF is working to finalize all details before the weekend, with Jesus’s first competitive fixture scheduled for September 24 against Wales in the Nations League.