Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal are looking to appoint former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The current Benfica head coach could be open to a possible move after Roberto Martinez departs.
Portugal announced Martinez as their manager in January 2023. He has performed well, winning the UEFA Nations League last year and qualifying for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to ESPN, he could leave after the end of the World Cup this summer after the end of his contract.
The Portugal Football Federation (FPF) is aiming to bring in Jose Mourinho as their next manager. The former Real Madrid manager spoke about managing a national team in January last year, saying:
"I want to play a European Championship or a World Cup and unite a country around a team, as I have already done many times with the clubs. I want to do it for football and what this sport represents. It will be incredible."
Mourinho is currently managing Benfica, having joined them in September last year after exiting Fenerbahce, penning a two-year contract. According to ESPN, if he leaves the Portuguese giants, former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim could take over.
Jose Mourinho reflects on managing Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal at FIFA World Cup'
Last year, Jose Mourinho was linked with the Brazil national team job before Carlo Ancelotti was appointed. The Portuguese head coach said that his destiny lies in managing Portugal at a FIFA World Cup.
He said:
"My destiny, in terms of internationals, is to play in a World Cup with the Portuguese national team. I never considered coaching the Brazilian national team."
"My first experience has to be with Portugal, and then people have to understand that I'm a professional and that I can coach other teams, but always teams with which I have something that connects me. Brazil, obviously, because of the historical relationship between our countries, England because it's my home, Italy, I worked there for several years, but my first experience with the national team has to be mine," he added.
Meanwhile, It is uncertain if Ronaldo will still play for Portugal after the World Cup. The 40-year-old has confirmed that it is his last tournament.