Mourinho-Ronaldo Reunion? Portugal Eyeing Jose As Next Boss -- Report

Last Updated:February 11, 2026, 11:03 IST

Jose Mourinho reportedly is the Portuguese Football Federation’s top target to replace Roberto Martinez after 2026.

Could it really happen — Jose Mourinho coaching Cristiano Ronaldo again?

Reports suggest it’s more than idle gossip.

According to ESPN’s Mark Ogden, Mourinho is the Portuguese Football Federation’s top target to replace Roberto Martinez after the 2026 World Cup.

Martinez is set to complete his contract in North America, potentially paving the way for a new era. Mourinho, currently in charge of Benfica after returning to Portugal in September, is under contract until 2027. But that hasn’t stopped federation interest.

And the 63-year-old hasn’t hidden his ambition.

“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," Mourinho said in 2024, via Corriere Dello Sport. He also admitted he once rejected a chance to coach Brazil, preferring to keep the Portugal door open.

A Ronaldo Reunion — Or Not?

If Mourinho does take over, the big question becomes obvious: Cristiano Ronaldo.

The pair shared a high-profile spell at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning La Liga in record-breaking fashion. Ronaldo was one of Mourinho’s strongest dressing-room allies during that run, though their relationship reportedly soured toward the end of his tenure.

Ronaldo, now at Al-Nassr, has shown no clear signs of slowing down and could still feature beyond the 2026 World Cup, though retirement remains a possibility.

A reunion would be box office. But there’s also a scenario where Mourinho takes charge and opts to move forward without the veteran superstar.

For now, it’s speculation. But with 2026 looming, the idea of Mourinho leading Portugal — with or without Ronaldo — suddenly feels very real and very exciting.

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