Artur Jorge Returns to Brazil to Coach Cruzeiro After Al-Rayyan Departure

Artur Jorge, the Portuguese football manager, is set to return to Brazilian football, taking the helm at Cruzeiro. This move follows his departure from Qatari club Al-Rayyan, which he announced on Sunday, March 22, 2026, via a post on Instagram.

Departure from Al-Rayyan

Jorge expressed his gratitude for his time at Al-Rayyan, stating it was an honor to represent the club with seriousness and dedication. He praised the club’s quality and the commitment of the players and staff. He initially joined Al-Rayyan in January 2025, and leaves the team in fourth place in the Qatari league, seven points behind the leader Al Sadd, with three matches remaining TSF.

Return to Brazil and Cruzeiro

The 54-year-old manager is expected in Belo Horizonte on Monday, March 23, 2026, to finalize his contract with Cruzeiro Antena dos No Futebol. Cruzeiro reportedly paid a transfer fee of 2.5 million euros (approximately $15 million) to secure his services Antena dos No Futebol.

Previous Success in Brazil with Botafogo

This marks Jorge’s second stint coaching in Brazil, following a successful period with Botafogo in 2024, where he won both the Brazilian Championship and the Copa Libertadores TSF. His time at Botafogo is considered the high point of his managerial career thus far.

Contract History

Notably, this is the third time Jorge has terminated a contract before its completion, having previously done so with Braga in Portugal and Botafogo Antena dos No Futebol.

“Today a very special chapter of my career comes to an complete. It was an honor to represent Al Rayyan with seriousness and dedication. A big club, with very good people,” Jorge stated in his farewell message Ofuxico.