As the domestic season nears its conclusion, rumors swirl that one of soccer’s most iconic managers is on the brink of an unexpected career move—one that could reunite him with Cristiano Ronaldo, the global superstar he once led to silverware and controversy alike. But this time, it’s not the Saudi Pro League, nor is it a club side waiting in the wings. The setting is more symbolic. A job Jose Mourinhoa has long coveted. A job he has, until now, watched from afar.
When Mourinho managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, one of the key players under his stewardship was none other than Ronaldo. The duo, two of Portugal’s most iconic exports, shared both glory and tension in the Spanish capital. Despite their complicated relationship, highlighted by the manager’s criticism of his compatriot’s defensive work rate and occasional public disagreements, their results spoke volumes.
Together, they delivered a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup, ending Barcelona’s domestic dominance at the time. Now, over a decade later, they could be working together again—not in Spain, not in Saudi Arabia, but with the Portugal national team.
Dream job on the horizon?
According to a report by CNN, Mourinho is now “close” to becoming the next manager of Portugal, replacing Roberto Martinez, whose time in charge is under growing scrutiny despite steering the side to the UEFA Nations League semi-finals this summer. “Coaching Ronaldo is not believed to be an issue for Mourinho,” the report states, “despite the tension between the two from their time together in Spain.”
While Martinez will still oversee the national side in the upcoming June fixtures, the writing seems to be on the wall. Sources suggest that a managerial handover is all but decided, and Mourinho will step in after the Nations League concludes. “Taking over now would allow Mourinho a year with the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America,” CNN added.
The federation’s push for the ‘Special One’
Portuguese journalist Rui Santos of CNN further revealed that the new president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Pedro Proenca, is eager to bring in Mourinho. A former referee and now an influential figure within the FPF, Proenca—along with Mourinho’s trusted agent, Jorge Mendes—is reportedly applying serious pressure to make this long-standing dream a reality.
“Becoming the manager of the national team has long been one of Mourinho’s greatest unfulfilled wishes,” wrote Santos. “If Jose agrees, the Federation will find a way to make it happen, even if it’s complicated.”
Complicated, indeed. Both Mourinho and Martinez are under contract until 2026, which would typically pose a major obstacle. But after Portugal’s underwhelming performance at Euro 2024 and Martinez’s increasingly precarious position, the Federation appears willing to absorb the consequences of a managerial change.