Portugal lets Fernando Santos go after disappointing World Cup

Portugal has agreed to part ways with their national team head coach Fernando Santos.

The decision was made following the team’s relatively disappointing 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Ranked ninth in the world by FIFA, Portugal failed to make it past a quarterfinal matchup with Morocco.

“The Portuguese Football Federation and Fernando Santos agreed to end the highly successful journey that began in September 2014,” read an official statement by the organization.

“After one of the best participations ever by the National Team in the final stages of the World Cup, in Qatar, FPF and Fernando Santos understand that this is the right time to start a new cycle.

“The FPF thanks Fernando Santos and his technical team for the services provided over eight unique years and believes that this thanks is also made on behalf of the Portuguese people. The FPF Board will now begin the process of choosing the next national coach.”

Coach collected major silverware

Santos held a 61% win rate during his eight years at the helm with Portugal. This includes only losing 19 times in 109 total matches. The highlight of the coach’s time with the team was undoubtedly the 2016 European Championships. Santos led Portugal to the tournament title against hosts France. The triumph was superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s first and only major trophy with his country.

The outgoing coach was also in a battle with Ronaldo throughout the World Cup. Ronaldo was not thrilled to be substituted during a group stage match with South Korea. Santos, on the other hand, was also not happy with his superstar’s reaction to the change. As a result, Ronaldo did not start the final two matches of the competition.

Final decision surely didn’t shock anyone

Portugal’s final decision with Santos was not exactly surprising. Despite the fact that the coach had a contract that ran through the 2024 Euros, the World Cup was surely the final straw.

The Portugal job, however, is one of the most sought-after national team jobs in the world. Even though Ronaldo’s future is in the air, this is still a very talented team. Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, Vitinha, Joao Cancelo, and Ruben Dias give Portugal a very solid core group.

Photo credit: IMAGO / Fotoarena