Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal are reportedly looking to appoint former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The current Benfica head coach could be open to a potential move after Roberto Martinez departs.

Portugal announced Martinez as their head coach in January 2023. He has done well, winning the UEFA Nations League last year and qualifying for the upcoming World Cup. As per ESPN, he could leave after the Mundial this summer following the expiration of his contract.

The Portugal Football Federation (FPF) is looking to bring in Jose Mourinho as their next head coach. The former Real Madrid manager spoke about potentially managing a national team in January last year, saying (h/t GOAL):

“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 Benfica’s head coach, having joined them in September last year after leaving Fenerbahce, signing a two-year contract. As per ESPN, if he leaves the Portuguese giants, former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim could take over.

Former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho on managing Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal at World Cup

Last year, Jose Mourinho was linked with the Brazil job before another former Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, was appointed. The Portuguese head coach asserted 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’s unclear if Cristiano Ronaldo will still play for Portugal after the World Cup. The 40-year-old has confirmed that it is his final tournament, but hasn’t confirmed his retirement plans.

Cristiano Ronaldo played under Mourinho at Real Madrid, recording 168 goals and 49 assists in 164 games. They won the LaLiga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España together.