Portugal's Football Federation Hires New Executive Director to Overhaul National Teams Structure

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has appointed a new executive director to oversee coordination between the federation's leadership and its national teams across all age groups and genders. Lourenço Coelho, a 51-year-old administrator who spent 21 years at Benfica, has taken on the role and is working on a restructuring plan for the national teams structure.

Why This Matters

• Direct line to the top: Coelho will serve as the primary liaison between FPF President Pedro Proença and the national teams' structure, consolidating communication and decision-making.

• Restructuring underway: The organizational framework for Portugal's national teams is being overhauled.

• Benfica experience: Coelho brings two decades of experience from one of Portugal's most successful clubs, including periods as general director for football.

Immediate Role

Coelho was present at Estádio Cidade de Barcelos for Portugal's women's national team's match against Slovakia in European qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup, where Portugal won 4-0. He sat alongside Pedro Proença and other federation directors, signaling his integration into the FPF's leadership circle.

The appointment addresses a gap in the federation's structure. Until now, the FPF lacked a dedicated executive-level figure to bridge the gap between the presidency and the coaching staffs, technical directors, and support personnel across men's, women's, youth, futsal, and beach soccer squads. Coelho's role is to centralize oversight and streamline communication between federation leadership and the national teams.

Background in Portuguese Football

Lourenço Coelho brings significant experience in football administration. He worked at Benfica from 2004 to 2025 in various capacities, including roles as team manager and general director for football during two separate periods. Before joining Benfica, he held the general director position at Estoril Praia between 2002 and 2004. His background spans both successful periods and transitional phases in elite football operations.

Implications for National Team Operations

The FPF has outlined a strategic vision that includes coordination across all competitive levels—from youth categories to senior men's and women's squads. Coelho's appointment directly supports efforts to ensure coherence across national teams and align technical staff, coaching decisions, and federation support under a unified structure.

For coaches and players within Portugal's football system, the new role could mean clearer communication channels with federation leadership, more consistent support for coaching staff, and streamlined processes for logistical and strategic matters.

Federation Leadership and Structure

The FPF under Pedro Proença's presidency has undertaken significant organizational changes in recent years. Proença and federation directors are placing increased emphasis on visibility across all levels of Portuguese football, attending not just senior men's matches but also women's and youth fixtures.

Looking Ahead

Coelho's restructuring effort will be tested as Portugal's national teams prepare for upcoming competitions. The senior men's team will compete in the 2026 World Cup qualifications, the women's squad continues qualifying for the 2027 World Cup, and youth teams participate in various competitions. The FPF's focus is on ensuring that administrative coordination supports performance across all levels of national team football.