Jorge Jesus has disclosed that he was on the verge of becoming Brazil's next head coach in March 2025, following Dorival Junior's dismissal after a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Argentina in World Cup qualifying. The Portuguese tactician, then managing Saudi club Al Hilal, emerged as the leading candidate to take over the Seleção, but contractual obligations prevented him from pursuing the opportunity.
Speaking to Canal 11, the 71-year-old explained his involvement: "I did not end up taking charge of the Brazil national team, but I was indeed contacted to draw up the preliminary squad for the match that followed their 4-1 defeat to Argentina." Jesus departed Al Hilal on 3 May, but by then the Brazilian Football Confederation had already shifted its attention elsewhere. Carlo Ancelotti subsequently accepted the role on 12 May 2025, becoming the first foreign manager in Brazil's history after leaving Real Madrid.
What Jesus Thinks Brazil Lost
Reflecting on Brazil's World Cup campaign under Ancelotti—which ended in a 2-1 round of 16 loss to Norway—Jesus offered his perspective on the nation's struggles. "I would say that Portugal is the Brazil of Europe... a lot of individual quality, but when the World Cup comes around... Brazil have not been champions for 22 years," he observed. The stark reality underscores a drought unprecedented in Brazilian football history; the five-time World Cup champions last triumphed in 2002.
Jesus acknowledged that Brazil's perennial talent pool remains exceptional yet questioned their ability to transform it into cohesive team performance. "They always have wonderful players, but then they cannot put together a wonderful team," he noted. While he agreed with most of Ancelotti's tactical decisions, Jesus suggested minor adjustments might have been possible. He highlighted Pedro, his former Flamengo player, as Brazil's finest out-and-out striker, hinting at squad selection differences.
The philosophical divide between coaches, Jesus emphasized, lies not in individual player choices but in fundamental philosophy. "There is the personal touch, the way of seeing the game, and the coaching style. These are the differences, the way each coach sees the game and applies his ideas." Jesus has since moved on, accepting the Portugal national team job following Roberto Martinez's departure after the Seleção's own round of 16 elimination from the World Cup.
