December 18 – Portugal have parted company with coach Fernando Santos following their shock 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Morocco at the World Cup.
Santos, 68, spent eight years in charge of Portugal, guiding the team to victory at Euro 2016, as well as the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019.
However his final few games were dominated by his shock decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo for the knockout matches at Qatar 2022, sparking rumours of a rift between captain and manager
Portugal proceeded to thrash Switzerland 6-1 – Ronaldo’s replacement, Goncalo Ramos, scoring a hat-trick – but were stunned in the last eight as Morocco became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
Santos had been contracted until after Euro 2024, but the Portuguese Football Federation said now was the “right moment 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 start the process of choosing the next national coach,” a statement said.
Roma’s Portuguese boss Jose Mourinho has already emerged as one of the early favourites for the post.
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