Portuguese boss Artur Jorge returns to Brazil with Cruzeiro | OneFootball

Artur Jorge is back in Brazil (Getty Images)

Brazilian outfit Cruzeiro have pulled off a significant coup by securing the appointment of Artur Jorge as manager, almost 18 months after the Portuguese conquered South American football with Botafogo.

Jorge, 54, announced his departure from Qatari club Al-Rayyan over the weekend, ahead of securing a deal in Belo Horizonte which lasts until the end of 2027. The former Braga man becomes the second Portuguese at the club in the space of a year, following Leonardo Jardim’s stint last term.

"Today marks the end of a very special chapter in my career,” Jorge said upon leaving Al-Rayyan. “It was an honour to represent Al Rayyan with seriousness and dedication. A great club, and with very good people. Throughout this period, I had the privilege of working with high-level professionals and sharing the day-to-day life with a group of players who always demonstrated commitment.

"I take with me the experience, the challenges, and the growth that this stage provided me, both professionally and personally. I am grateful for the opportunity to have enjoyed a welcoming country with a unique quality of life and kind people. To the fans, the management, the athletes, and everyone who is part of the club, I leave my sincere thanks for the support and trust. I wish Al Rayyan success and much success in the future.”

Jorge was officially announced as new Cruzeiro coach on Sunday, joined by a technical team consisting of assistants André Cunha and João Cardoso, physical trainer Tiago Lopes, and performance analyst Rodrigo Mira.

The return of Jorge is big news in Brazil, given his tremendous success with Rio de Janeiro side Botafogo in 2024. In a whirlwind nine months in charge, Jorge led Botafogo to their first-ever Copa Libertadores title, as well as the Campeonato Brasileiro title. He left Fogo last January in order to take up a lucrative deal in Qatar, which was reportedly worth €15m.

Jorge has now ended that contract early, which indicates his salary at Cruzeiro is likely significant. The club nicknamed Raposa enjoyed a strong campaign last year under Jardim, finishing 3rd in the top flight, but have struggled in the early stages this season. With no wins from seven rounds of action and occupying a place in the relegation zone, Cruzeiro dispensed with former Brazil manager Tite earlier this month.

Abel Ferreira’s Palmeiras currently lead the way at the top of the standings thanks a 1-0 victory over 2nd place São Paulo this weekend, which saw them open up a three-point lead over their local rivals.