The future of Portugal’s national team is under the spotlight as whispers of a high-profile reunion grow louder. Jose Mourinho, one of soccer’s most iconic managers, is once again linked with his homeland — and with a possible reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While Portuguese officials have remained silent on any imminent changes, Mourinho’s recent five-word response to swirling rumors has only added fuel to the fire.
According to multiple reports from Turkish media, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is eyeing Jose Mourinho as a potential successor to Roberto Martínez, whose contract runs until July 31, 2026. The move, if completed, would represent Mourinho’s first venture into international management.
Per HT Spor journalist Ahmet Selim Kul, Mourinho has already reached a preliminary agreement to take over the national side following the conclusion of the UEFA Nations League finals this June. The 62-year-old tactician is currently under contract with Fenerbahce, but his first season in Turkey has been underwhelming, marked by elimination in both the Europa League and Turkish Cup, and falling short in the Super Lig title race, which was sealed by rivals Galatasaray.
Despite the setbacks, he remains a towering figure in Portuguese soccer, and his appointment would bring him back into contact with Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he famously managed at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013. Their relationship during that period was complex but fruitful: Ronaldo scored 168 goals in 164 appearances under Mourinho, a staggering record of efficiency and brilliance.
What did Mourinho say?
While speculation intensified across Turkish and Portuguese outlets, Mourinho finally addressed the rumors during a post-match press conference following Fenerbahce’s 2-1 win over Eyupspor. With all eyes on him, the experienced boss delivered a calm but defiant denial.
“Yes, I can deny that I had any meeting with the Portuguese Soccer Federation. I am a loyal person,” he told reporters. “The only time I had direct contact with a club, I informed Fenerbahce. It wasn’t now, it was in January.”
That moment — Mourinho’s five-word phrase, “I am a loyal person” — quickly grabbed headlines. It poured cold water on reports of active talks, but many saw the denial as strategic rather than conclusive. Insiders suggest Mourinho is weighing his options, especially as the FPF is reportedly unwilling to pay the Yellow Canaries’ release clause, complicating any immediate move.
The Portuguese boss is reportedly open to a mutual termination of his contract to facilitate the switch, should discussions become formalized after the Nations League.
