An animated figure on the touchline. A larger-than-life character in front of the cameras. A decidedly attacking and competitive brand of football. can anticipate all of that and more from their new head coach, Jorge Jesus.
The veteran manager has signed a contract with the Portuguese Football Federation running until 2030, when the country will co-host the FIFA World Cup™. But what else can fans expect from Roberto Martinez's replacement over the next four years?
A former player, Jorge Jesus was a midfielder who emerged through Sporting CP's ranks in the 1970s. His playing career spanned more than 15 years but it was as a coach that he truly made a name for himself.
JJ, as he is widely known in Portugal, first rose to prominence with Belenenses, guiding the club to their first Portuguese Cup final as well as qualification for the UEFA Cup in 2006/07. He then enjoyed a glittering spell at Benfica between 2009 and 2015, winning three successive Portuguese league titles. Then, after a period with Sporting, he embarked on various challenges abroad.
Jesus first joined Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia before taking over at Brazilian club Flamengo in 2019. Under his leadership, the Rubro-negro enjoyed one of the most successful periods in their history, winning both the Brazilian league and the Copa Libertadores, and also took Liverpool to extra time in the FIFA Club World Cup final. By the time he returned to Benfica in 2020, Jesus had won more trophies with the Rio giants than he had suffered defeats.
His second spell at Benfica proved less successful, but more silverware followed when he won the Turkish Cup with Fenerbahce in 2023, before he returned to Saudi football. There, in 2024, he led Al Hilal to the league title before taking charge of rival club Al Nassr, in 2025. Under his leadership, the team won their first Saudi Pro League title of the ‘ era’, in what would be his final club role before accepting the Portugal job.
Jesus, who turns 72 on 24 July, could become one of the oldest coaches ever to manage at a World Cup. On the current all-time list, he would trail only Dutchman Dick Advocaat, who has just coached Curaçao at the at the age of 78. Jesus will be nearly 76 by the time the 2030 tournament begins.
Throughout his career, he has worked with some of the greatest talents in world football and contested many of the game’s foremost competitions. At Benfica, he coached a generation featuring David Luiz, Ramires and Angel Di Maria. More recently in Saudi Arabia, he managed Neymar at Al Hilal and Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.
On top of that, it would be wise not to overplay his advancing years. Anyone watching him over the course of 90 minutes would be forgiven for thinking he is much younger. His animated gestures on the sidelines reflect a man who likes to keep a tight rein on his squad, even though his teams are known for playing open, free-flowing football. Over the years, there has been no shortage of heated exchanges between Jesus and his own players. More often than not, though, those moments end with mutual respect intact.
Jesus has never been afraid to deploy players in unfamiliar roles, regardless of how established they may already be. The coach, who considers himself self-taught, often spots new tactical ideas and possibilities for players, meaning some of Portugal’s most established internationals may soon find themselves operating in completely different roles than they are used to at club level.
One of the hallmarks of a Jorge Jesus team is an attack-minded approach. Throughout the highs and lows of his career, his teams have been built around pressing high up the pitch, retaining possession, dictating the tempo and pushing on, even with a comfortable lead. In his first season at Benfica, the team scored 78 goals en route to the Portuguese league title, while in 2019, Flamengo found the net 86 times in their championship-winning campaign.
As witnessed during his unveiling, the entertainment does not end with the final whistle with Jesus. In front of the microphones, he is known for his colourful interviews, regularly producing memorable soundbites and moments that have made him a firm favourite among supporters.
Sources: FIFA Official
