José Mourinho Returns to Benfica After 25 Years Following Fenerbahce Sacking
- Legendary coach José Mourinho has returned to the club where his managerial story first began, marking a sensational comeback
- A stunning Champions League upset opened the door for the dramatic change, setting the stage for Thursday's appointment
- Bruno Lage's team lost to Qarabaf in the UEFA Champions League opener on Tuesday, and the board decided to part ways with the Portuguese coach
S.L. Benfica has officially unveiled José Mourinho as their new head coach, marking a sensational return to the club where he first began his managerial journey a quarter of a century ago.
The Portuguese tactician replaces Bruno Lage, who was dismissed following Benfica’s shock 3-2 home defeat to Qarabag in their Champions League opener on Tuesday.
Source: Getty Images
Mourinho, 62, penned a deal that will keep him at the Estádio da Luz until the conclusion of the 2026/27 campaign, the club, via it's official website, confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
The appointment comes just weeks after he was dismissed by Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, ironically, a day after being eliminated from the Champions League playoffs by Benfica.
Benfica appoints José Mourinho as head coach
At his official presentation, Mourinho admitted to being overcome with emotions but insisted his vast experience would help him remain composed.
“I’m not here to celebrate my past. I’m the coach of one of the biggest clubs in the world, and my focus is on embracing this new mission with passion,” he said.
The “Special One” has enjoyed a storied career since first taking charge of Benfica in 2000, where his reign lasted just eleven matches.
After leaving Lisbon, he enjoyed unprecedented success with FC Porto between 2002 and 2004, guiding the club to domestic triumphs and European glory, a spell that propelled him onto the international stage.
Having also served as an assistant to legendary managers Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal at Barcelona, Mourinho stressed that his return to Benfica is about the present rather than nostalgia.
“It’s been 25 years, but I feel more alive than ever,” he declared.
Mourinho’s immediate challenges at Benfica
Mourinho’s second stint with the Eagles begins this Saturday when Benfica host AVS Futebol SAD at 7 pm in Matchday 6 of the Liga Nos.
According to Flashscore, the Lisbon club currently sits sixth in the standings with 10 points from a possible 15.
On the European front, Benfica will attempt to bounce back from their opening-night upset when they take on Chelsea on September 30 in Lisbon.
The Premier League giants head into that fixture after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in Germany.
Source: Getty Images
Fans' reactions to Jose Mourinho's Benfica return
The football world has been buzzing since Benfica confirmed the sensational return of José Mourinho as head coach.
Supporters have flooded social media with excitement, nostalgia, and high expectations, as the “Special One” takes charge of the Lisbon giants 25 years after his brief first spell.
Many believe his experience and winning mentality, as well as his polarising character, could spark a new era at the Estádio da Luz, while others are eager to see how he will handle both domestic and European challenges.
@Enwagoso wrote:
''Calling all Jose Mourinho fans worldwide to unite! We pledge our unwavering support for Benfica Football Club. We hope for the following: Bold and ambitious transfer windows. Jose deserves patience and players that fit his vision. We, the Jose Mourinho fan community, stand.''
@AwalJarah commented:
''Support Jose by getting his right players.we are with you in good and bad times. Jose is our religion.''
@Goman reacted:
''Another sack loading? Let us see how this one goes.''
Fenerbahce sacks Jose Mourinho
In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh highlighted Fenerbahçe’s decision to part ways with José Mourinho on August 29, 2025.
The dismissal came just a day after the Turkish side failed to qualify for the Champions League group stage.
Source: YEN.com.gh
