- 21 minutes ago
Portugal strike Mourinho 'agreement' after attempts to fix 'Ronaldo issue'
Suraj Radia
- 15 May 2025 10:30 CDT
- 4 min read
News
Jose Mourinho is believed to have agreed to become Portugal’s national team manager this summer, with Cristiano Ronaldo a huge reason for the accelerated appointment of the Fenerbahce boss.
Portugal only appointed Roberto Martinez as their manager in 2023 but the Spaniard is expected to be replaced by Mourinho after the Nations League fixtures in June, where his side face off against Germany in the semi-final.
And, according to Turkish outlet Haber Turk, Portugal were initially planning on hiring Mourinho in 2026 after the expiry of his Fenerbahce contract, however plans were brought forward due to ‘the Ronaldo issue’.
Ronaldo’s continued presence in Portugal’s side has become somewhat controversial due to the 40-year-old’s power remaining strong despite his age and declining ability.
According to the report, Portugal’s Football Federation (FPF) believed that Mourinho was the only person with the prestige to compete with Ronaldo’s power, leading to the change in manager happening one year earlier than anticipated, with a 'preliminary agreement' now said to be in place.
However, Portuguese newspaper Record claim that a source from the FPF has denied any agreement with Mourinho and ‘guarantees’ there has been no contact with any coach, instead reiterating that Martinez has a contract until 2026.
Mourinho aiming to make up for Portugal regrets
Mourinho could be set to finally achieve his lifelong dream of managing his home nation, having turned down the role on multiple occasions, most recently in 2022 while in charge of Roma.
Speaking last year, Mourinho revealed his regret at rejecting Portugal for second time and admitted he would accept any future approach from his home nation.
“I think I was emotional when I didn’t accept and decided to stay at Roma,” Mourinho told EA Sports Korea. “I think I made a mistake. Portugal wanted me twice and I think they will want me a third time, one day. And then I will accept it.”
However, Portugal are said to be unwilling to pay a contract termination fee to Fenerbahce despite the presence of a clause in Mourinho’s contract, prompting talks between the coach and the Turkish side to part ways by mutual agreement.
Football transfer news headlines today
The Cristiano Ronaldo Club World Cup Conspiracy Theory
Florian Wirtz: Leverkusen star is making a MISTAKE by not waiting for Real Madrid
Mbappe already better than Ronaldo: Real Madrid superstar smashes 70-year-old record
Garnacho in Chelsea’s sights as ‘next transfer priority’ revealed
Chelsea aim to build £1 BILLION football team as new investor joins
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
