Jorge Jesus has revealed he was asked to start drawing up a Brazil squad list and was “very close” to becoming head coach of the five-time world champions before the Brazilian federation turned to Carlo Ancelotti.
The new Portugal manager said the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) made contact with him in March 2025 while he was in charge of Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, just days after Brazil had suffered the heaviest World Cup qualifying defeat in their history – a 4-1 loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Jesus, now 71, was widely reported in Brazil at the time as the leading candidate to replace Dorival Junior, who was dismissed after that defeat. But he has now detailed how far the talks progressed – and why the move ultimately collapsed.
‘They contacted me to prepare the squad list’
Speaking to Portuguese channel Canal 11, Jesus said: “لم ينته بي المطاف بتولي تدريب المنتخب البرازيلي، لكن تم التواصل معي بالفعل لاعداد القايمة الاولية للمباراة التي اعقبت خسارتهم بنتيجة 4-1 امام الارجنتين”.
The veteran coach remained under contract with Al Hilal and, despite the interest from Brazil, a deal could not be finalised.
Jesus left Al Hilal on 3 May 2025. By that stage, however, the CBF had already opened talks with Ancelotti, who departed Real Madrid shortly afterwards.
On 12 May 2025, Ancelotti was officially appointed as Brazil coach, becoming the first foreign manager in the national team’s history.
World Cup exit under Ancelotti
Brazil’s World Cup campaign under Ancelotti ended in disappointment, with the team knocked out in the last 16 after a 2-1 defeat by Norway.
Asked what he felt Brazil had been missing at the tournament, Jesus drew a pointed comparison with his own country.
He said: “اود القول ان البرتغال هي برازيل اوروبا… الكثير من الجودة الفردية، ولكن عندما تحين كاس العالم… البرازيل لم تكن بطلة منذ 22 عاما”.
He added: “يقولون: ‘اه، لكننا البلد الاكثر تتويجا بالالقاب’. هذا صحيح، لكن هذا من الماضي؛ هم لم يفوزوا منذ 22 عاما. ولديهم دايما لاعبون رايعون، لكنهم بعد ذلك لا يستطيعون تكوين منتخب رايع”.
‘Best Brazilian No 9 is Pedro’
Jesus, who enjoyed major success in Brazil with Flamengo, including the 2019 Copa Libertadores and Brasileirao titles, was also asked what he would have done differently had he led Brazil at the World Cup.
He replied: “اللاعبون البرازيليون يولدون للعب؛ حتى في الدوري البرازيلي هناك الكثير من الجودة. هل كنت ساختار قايمة مختلفة عن قايمة انشيلوتي؟ بالطبع، بالنسبة للاعب او لاعبين، نعم. اعتقد انه في الوقت الحالي، افضل مهاجم صريح في الكرة البرازيلية هو بيدرو. ربما اكون متحيزا قليلا لانه كان احد لاعبي في فلامنجو. لكنني اعتقد انني اتفق في اغلب الامور مع ما فعله انشيلوتي”.
Jesus stressed that any divergence from Ancelotti’s approach would have been rooted more in style than substance.
He continued: “لكن هناك اللمسة الشخصية، وطريقة روية المباراة، واسلوب التدريب. هذه هي الاختلافات، الطريقة التي يرى بها كل مدرب المباراة ويطبق بها افكاره”.
From Saudi success to Portugal job
Following his departure from Al Hilal, Jesus took over at Al Nassr and led the Riyadh club to the Saudi Pro League (Roshn League) title.
His achievements in Saudi Arabia and his previous track record with Benfica, Sporting CP and Flamengo helped pave the way for his return to international football.
Earlier this month, he was appointed Portugal head coach, succeeding Roberto Martinez, after Portugal themselves exited the World Cup in the last 16.
Jesus now faces the task of converting what he calls “Brazil of Europe” – a squad rich in individual talent – into a team capable of ending the country’s European Championship and World Cup drought, just as he once came close to attempting with Brazil.
