Mourinho Returns to Portugal: New Chapter with Benfica
The renowned coach José Mourinho has returned to Portuguese football, taking over as head coach of Benfica. The official announcement was made this Thursday, marking the return of “The Special One” to his home country.
Mourinho, 62 years old, has signed a two-year contract with the Lisbon club. This agreement comes less than three weeks after his departure from Fenerbahce.
The defeat against Benfica, his former club, in the Champions League qualifying phase precipitated his departure from Fenerbahce. Mourinho replaces Bruno Lage, who was dismissed after the 3-2 home defeat against Qarabag in the opening match of the Champions League.
In the year 2000, Mourinho had his first experience as a coach at Benfica, and now he embarks on his twelfth adventure as a manager.Mourinho left Portugal in the summer of 2004 to join Chelsea, shortly after leading FC Porto to glory in the Champions League.
Throughout his career, he has won 26 major titles with teams like Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Roma.
Mourinho inherits a team that is in sixth position in the Primeira Liga, five points behind the leader, FC Porto, but with a game in hand.
Mourinho’s debut in charge of Benfica will be against AVS in the Primeira Liga on Saturday.
The coach will return to Stamford Bridge on September 30, when Benfica faces Chelsea in the Champions League, and then will visit Porto on October 5 in the local league.
Mourinho will also face another of his former clubs when Benfica hosts Real Madrid on January 28, 2026, in the most prestigious European club competition.
Benfica, who won their last league title in the 2022-23 season, will hold presidential elections on October 25.
