Fernando Santos is a Portuguese professional football manager who coaches the Portugal National Football Team.
Here we look closely at Santos’ net worth, salary earnings, career, record, wife, and more.
About Fernando Santos
Fernando Manuel Fernandes da Costa Santos was born on 10 October 1954, in Lisbon Portugal. He is also a former professional footballer who played as a defender. He never played for the Portugal National Team.
Fernando Santos led Portugal in the 2018 World Cup. He led his nation to win the Euro 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019.
Playing Career
Fernando Santos played most of his career for the Portuguese club Estoril, making 216 league appearances in two spells.
Coaching Career
Fernando Santos took charge of the Portugal National Team on 23 September 2014, following Paulo Bento‘s failure.
In the 2016 Euro Championship, Santos led his nation to win the prestigious title. Portugal drew all three group games and qualified for the knockouts as a third-place team. Santos’ men beat the host France 1-0 after extra time in the Final.
However, Portugal’s journey in the 2018 FIFA World Cup ended in the Round of 16 following a 2-1 defeat to Uruguay.
Portugal went on to win the inaugural 2018-19 edition of the Nations League, defeating the Netherlands in the Final. Portugal finished in the Round of 16 in the Euro 2020 under Santos, losing 1-0 to Belgium.
Fernando Santos helped Portugal to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2022 through playoffs. They beat North Macedonia in the playoffs final.
Portugal won their opening game in the World Cup 2022 by 3-2 goals against Ghana. They would play against Uruguay and South Korea in Group H to qualify for the knockouts.
Fernando Santos was the head coach of Greece (2010-2014) in the 2014 World Cup. The nation reached its first-ever knockouts in that tournament. They lost 5-3 on penalties against Costa Rica in the last 16.
The Portuguese tactician also managed Porto, Benfica, Sporting CP, AEK Athens, and PAOK, among numerous clubs.
Fernando Santos’s Net Worth Details
Fernando Santos’s net worth is estimated to be £5 million as of 2025. The skilled tactician earns a decent amount of salary as the head coach of Portugal.
The 68-year-old earns a $2.25 million salary per year as the head coach and leading Cristiano Ronaldo and co in the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Personal Details
| Full Name | Fernando Manuel Fernandes da Costa Santos |
| Current Team | Portugal (Head Coach) |
| Date of Birth | 10 October 1954 |
| Age | 68 |
| Height | 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) |
| Birthplace | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Net Worth | £5 million |
| Salary | $2.25 million |
| Relation | Married |
| Spouse | Guilhermina Santos |
Coaching Tactics
Fernando Santos is a skilled tactician. He often uses the 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations. He deploys a 4-man backline with the full-backs getting the freedom of making forward runs.
Wife
Fernando Santos is married to his lovely lady Guilhermina Santos. However, detailed information about them is unknown.
Coaching Stats
| Team | Year | Match | Win | Draw | Loss | Win % |
| Portugal | 2014 – Present | 105 | 65 | 23 | 17 | 61.90 |
Achievements as a Manager
Portugal
- Euro Championship: 2016
- Nations League: 2018-19
Porto
- Primeira Liga: 1998-99
- Taca de Portugal: 1999-2000, 2000-01
AEK Athens
- Greek Cup: 2001-02
FAQs
Who is Fernando Santos?
Fernando Santos is a Portuguese football manager known for his successful coaching career, particularly with the Portuguese national team.
When and where was Fernando Santos born?
Fernando Santos was born in Lisbon, Portugal on October 10, 1954.
What positions did Fernando Santos play during his career?
Fernando Santos did not have a notable playing career. He transitioned to coaching early in his professional life.
Which clubs has Fernando Santos managed?
Fernando Santos has managed various clubs, including Estoril, Porto, AEK Athens, and Sporting CP.
What are some notable achievements in Fernando Santos’s coaching career?
Fernando Santos led the Portuguese national team to victory in UEFA Euro 2016, marking Portugal’s first major international trophy.
He also guided Greece to the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Euro 2012 quarter-finals.
What style of play does Fernando Santos emphasize as a coach?
Fernando Santos is known for his pragmatic and organized approach to football. His teams often focus on solid defensive structures, effective counter-attacks, and tactical discipline.
Has Fernando Santos received any individual awards or recognitions as a coach?
Fernando Santos has received several accolades for his coaching achievements, including the Portuguese Coach of the Year award and recognition for his success with the Portuguese national team.
What challenges has Fernando Santos faced as a coach?
Fernando Santos has faced challenges such as managing high expectations with the Portuguese national team, navigating through challenging group stages in international tournaments, and ensuring team cohesion amidst player diversity.
What are Fernando Santos’s future aspirations in football?
Fernando Santos aims to continue his successful coaching career, potentially leading Portugal to further success in major international tournaments and contributing to the development of Portuguese football.
How has Fernando Santos influenced Portuguese football?
Fernando Santos has left a significant mark on Portuguese football, known for instilling a winning mentality and tactical prowess in the national team.
His achievements have boosted Portugal’s standing on the international stage.
