Jose Mourinho Returns to Benfica as Head Coach

Jose Mourinho is making a significant return to Portuguese football, taking over as the new head coach of Benfica. He has signed a two-year contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2027. This appointment follows his departure from Fenerbahçe at the end of August, after the Turkish side was eliminated by Benfica itself in a two-legged playoff. For Mourinho, who will celebrate his 63rd birthday next year, this is a nostalgic homecoming to the club where he officially began his managerial journey in 2000. His initial stint lasted only nine matches before a change in presidency led to his resignation, marking his very first role as a first-team manager. After illustrious spells at clubs like Real Madrid, Porto, Inter, Chelsea, and AS Roma, Mourinho joined Fenerbahçe in 2024. However, failing to qualify for the Champions League group stage proved to be a major disappointment, leading both parties to terminate their agreement after just one season.

During his official presentation to the media on Thursday, Mourinho reflected on his extensive career, stating, “It`s been 25 years, but I`m not here to celebrate my career. It`s been 25 years in which I`ve had the opportunity to work for the biggest clubs in the world. I want to tell you, as a representative of Benfica fans, that none of the clubs I`ve had the opportunity to coach have motivated me more than being Benfica`s coach. The promise is clear: I will live for Benfica, for my mission. It`s a tremendous honor.” He unequivocally expressed his deep motivation for returning to the club, pledging complete dedication.

Benfica`s recent 3-2 defeat to Qarabag in their opening Champions League match at home was the catalyst for a managerial change, resulting in Bruno Lage`s sacking and Mourinho`s subsequent appointment. Mourinho now faces an exhilarating Champions League schedule. Significantly, Benfica will play Chelsea away in the second matchday of the group phase, a fixture that will see him make an emotional return to Stamford Bridge, where he enjoyed two successful stints as manager from 2004-2007 and 2013-2015. This also marks Mourinho`s first appearance in the Champions League group stage (excluding qualifiers) since the 2019-20 season, when his Tottenham side was eliminated by RB Leipzig in the Round of 16 in March 2020.

Following the Chelsea match, Benfica`s Champions League journey continues with away games against Newcastle, a home tie against Bayer Leverkusen, and an away fixture against Ajax. The latter part of their schedule promises a series of highly anticipated clashes, pitting Mourinho against teams with significant ties to his past. On December 10, Benfica will face Antonio Conte`s Napoli, renewing a rivalry that saw many encounters during their Premier League days. Later, he will lead his team to Turin to face Juventus, a club with whom he has experienced numerous tensions with their fanbase, particularly during his tenures at Inter, Manchester United, and Roma. Finally, in what could be a pivotal group stage encounter in Lisbon, Mourinho will come face-to-face with his former club, Real Madrid. With “The Special One” back in charge, expectations for Benfica are already sky-high.

José Mourinho`s Managerial Career