Jose Mourinho has been officially confirmed as the new head coach of Lisbon giants Benfica, marking a historic return to the club where his senior managerial career began 25 years ago. The 62-year-old Portuguese coach replaces Bruno Lage, who was dismissed following a disappointing Champions League defeat to Qarabag on Tuesday.
Mourinho, who had been without a club since his departure from Fenerbahce, precisely due to their Champions League elimination at the hands of Benfica, has signed a contract that will run until the end of the 2026/27 season. The deal includes a special clause, as confirmed by Benfica in a statement, that allows either party to terminate the contract at the conclusion of the current campaign. This unusual provision, according to Mourinho, was included out of respect for the upcoming presidential elections at the club.
The renowned manager will make his debut on the Benfica bench this Saturday against AVS in the sixth round of the Liga Portugal. The Eagles currently sit in fourth place with 10 points, five behind league leaders FC Porto, though with a game in hand.
In a curious twist of fate, Mourinho’s first European match in charge will be a return to Stamford Bridge, where he faces his former club Chelsea. It was at the London club that he cemented his reputation as one of the world’s elite managers.
Mourinho’s previous spell at Benfica in 2000 was brief, lasting only 11 games. In that short time, he recorded six wins, three draws, and two losses, with the final match of his tenure being an emphatic derby victory over Sporting.
Throughout a decorated career, Mourinho has managed some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Porto, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Roma. His extensive list of honours includes league titles in the Premier League, LaLiga, and Portuguese Liga, along with two Champions League trophies, a Europa League, and a Conference League.
