Cristiano Ronaldo will have a familiar face in charge of Portugal if he opts to continue his international career. Widespread reports in Portugal on Tuesday confirmed Jorge Jesus would be the successor to Roberto Martinez, who stood down last night following the teams World Cup exit to Spain.Martinezs contract was due to expire after the tournament and the Spaniard walks away having failed in his ambition to win a first major trophy for Portugal since their Euro 2016 success in France.That task will now be entrusted to Jesus, who is a free agent after leaving Al-Nassr.With Ronaldo as captain, Al-Nassr won the Saudi Pro League last season to hand the former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar his first major trophy since moving to the Middle East in 2023.Jesus said in May that his sole reason for taking the job at the Riyadh club was to help his countryman lift silverware.He said: When I received the invitation from [Al Nassr CEO Jos] Semedo and Cris [Cristiano Ronaldo], I only accepted this challenge to help Cris win titles in Saudi Arabia. That was my purpose.Every title is different and for the nation of Al-Nassr, and for Cris as well, its fundamental. Especially for what he has done not only for Saudi Arabian football but also for Nassr.Table of ContentsRonaldo leaves World Cup stage with clear conscience after Portugal exit World CupMartinez hails exemplary RonaldoSutton hammers Ronaldo and MartinezRonaldo leaves World Cup stage with clear conscience after Portugal exit World CupIt is still likely that Ronaldo will retire from Portugal duty after a remarkable 233 appearances but he has vowed to take his time and not rush a decision in the immediate aftermath of last nights disappointment in Dallas.He told reporters: Im sad to leave the World Cup this way. As I said yesterday, I gave it my all, and I leave with a clear conscience. Thats the life of a footballer. You have to move forward.It was my last World Cup, yes. But as for the rest, theres time to think, to be with my family, and not say things in the heat of the moment.Martinez hails exemplary RonaldoThe departing Martinez paid tribute to Ronaldo after sticking with the veteran rather than turning to the younger Goncalo Ramos.Hes been an exemplary captain, he said.I arrived with Portugal at a time with a lot of confusion and doubts about Cristiano, and hes been a role model, not just with goals and assists, what he does in the box, his commitment, how he experiences football. Hes an example, we have to celebrate him.Were talking about an icon in football. There arent many Cristiano Ronaldos. We have to be thankful for what he did at this World Cup, he wanted to win it, as a player, a captain, on a human level, well all take it with us forever. An example as the human being who is behind the sportsman.Sutton hammers Ronaldo and MartinezMartinez received criticism for playing Ronaldo for the full 90 minutes against Spain, rather than bring Ramos off the bench, with BBC 5 Live pundit Chris Sutton accusing the former Belgium boss of indulging Ronaldo and claiming the striker waddled round the pitch like a grandad.But Martinez said Ronaldos record meant he had to remain on the field.When youre a team and you need a goal you cant take Cristiano Ronaldo off, Martinez added. He can play 90 minutes, no problem. Hes a presence, he opens space, a dead-ball situation, anything in the box, it would make no sense.In extra time it probably would have made sense to use Goncalo Ramos. We had to keep the structure, it wasnt the case to take your top scorer off in the 90 minutes. Topics Al-Nassr FC Cristiano Ronaldo Jorge Jesus Portugal National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Cristiano Ronaldo: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, kick off times, where to watch, confirmed news updates and full Portugal squad Ben Miller 7th July, 2026 Hes waddling around the field like a grandad BBC pundit tears into Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal exit World Cup Jon Fisher 7th July, 2026 Ronaldo wont make snap decision over international future but leaves World Cup with clear conscience Jon Fisher 7th July, 2026 Roberto Martinez resigns: Portugal boss says it doesnt make sense to continue after World Cup exit Nicholas McGee 7th July, 2026 Portugal 0-1 Spain: Merinos 91st-minute winner ends Ronaldos World Cup career Nicholas McGee 6th July, 2026 LIVE Portugal v Spain: Commentary, updates, goals and stats as Ronaldo looks to shoot down European champions Jon Fisher 6th July, 2026
