Select Portugal, Fernando Santos. The Portuguese Football Federation announced on Thursday that Santos would depart from his role after eight years in charge, following Portugal’s quarterfinal exit from the World Cup in Qatar and a public dispute with Cristiano Ronaldo. Santos had been contracted through 2024, and the federation framed the move as part of a planned transition after a period they called among the nation’s best performances in a World Cup final phase. The federation stated that ending the tenure now would allow Portugal to begin a new cycle at the right moment and set the stage for a fresh coaching chapter.
The governing body added that it would initiate a process to identify the next head coach, expressing gratitude to Santos and his technical team for their service over the past eight years. The acknowledgment reflected the country’s appreciation for the work that helped shape Portugal on the international stage.
Santos, aged 68, took the helm of Portugal’s national team in 2014, succeeding Paulo Bento. His tenure is highlighted by a European Championship triumph in 2016 in France, the first major prize in the history of Portuguese football, followed by victory in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019. Those successes cemented his place in the annals of Portuguese football.
Beyond these high points, Portugal’s performance at major tournaments was uneven. They reached the World Cup knockout rounds in Russia in 2018, and Euro 2020 saw some struggles, with the team facing criticism over a style often labeled as cautious and defense minded. Critics argued the team relied heavily on its star players, particularly Ronaldo, to unlock difficult matches. Yet Santos maintained a steadfast approach, balancing tactical discipline with moments of attacking threat.
Santos’ coaching career has included time at major Portuguese clubs and stints abroad. He spent years coaching in Portugal, leading powerhouse teams and collecting league titles. His background as an engineer by training informed his methodical, structured approach to coaching. In addition to his club work, he also spent time in Greece, playing and coaching, and earned recognition for his ability to organize teams and exploit counterattacks with efficiency.
In the broader arc of Santos’ story, his leadership coincided with Portugal’s emergence as a consistent force on the continental stage. The team’s preparation, tactical organization, and ability to produce moments of individual magic underlined a period of sustained achievement for the national side. The decision to begin a new cycle reflects a desire to preserve momentum while inviting fresh ideas and new energy into the squad.
The departure comes amid ongoing discussions about the financial and administrative aspects of Santos’ tenure, including public attention to the salary arrangements associated with the position. While negotiations and reporting in the media drew scrutiny, the federation emphasized that the decision was part of a broader, strategic reorganization aimed at future success for Portuguese football on the world stage.
As Portugal turns toward selecting a new coach, the country looks to preserve the strengths that defined Santos’s era while inviting innovative tactical perspectives that could lift the national team to new heights. The next chapter will shape how Portugal competes in forthcoming European Championships and World Cups, and it will be watched closely by fans eager to see how the nation evolves in world football.
Citation: Portuguese Football Federation. Statements regarding leadership transition and performance notes are attributed to the federation and its official communications.