In one of the most anticipated moves of the European football season, José Mourinho has officially returned to Portugal to coach Benfica, the club where he began his head-coaching career. This marks a full-circle moment for Mourinho, arriving back at Estádio da Luz more than two decades after guiding rivals Porto to the 2004 UEFA Champions League title.

Story Highlights

• José Mourinho Benfica appointment confirmed

• Return to Portugal after 21 years; first stint ended in 2000

• Back in the Champions League after five-year absence

• Replaces Bruno Lage after Qarabag defeat

• Upcoming fixtures: AVS in league, Chelsea on September 30

On Thursday, Benfica announced it had reached an agreement with Mourinho, sealing his appointment as head coach. The Portuguese manager was introduced at a press conference before preparing to lead the squad’s training session later in the day.

“Being Portuguese, everyone knows the history and scale of this club,” Mourinho said.
“I am now coach of one of the greatest clubs in the world. None of the other giant clubs I coached made me feel so honored and motivated as I am now with Benfica.”

From Early Exit to Return at the Top

Mourinho began his managerial career at Benfica in 2000 but departed after only three months due to a contract dispute. His return to the Lisbon club signals not just a personal milestone but also his re-entry into the Champions League, where he last appeared in 2020 with Tottenham Hotspur.

In his career, Mourinho won the Champions League with Porto in 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010. He also captured the UEFA Conference League with Roma in 2022. However, his time at Roma from 2021 to 2024 was marked by internal disputes that resurfaced during his brief spell with Fenerbahce in Turkey.

That stint ended only last month when Benfica eliminated the Turkish club in a Champions League qualifying playoff. Speaking on Wednesday, Mourinho confirmed that Benfica’s management had contacted him directly.
“When I was confronted with the possibility of coaching Benfica,” he said,
“I didn’t think twice. I was interested from the start.”

Benfica’s Search for a Winner

Benfica president Rui Costa explained why the club turned to Mourinho after dismissing coach Bruno Lage. Lage was fired on Wednesday following a 3-2 home loss to Qarabag in the Champions League, a match where Benfica squandered a two-goal lead. The team had also drawn 1-1 with 10-man Santa Clara in the Portuguese league last Friday.

“We wanted a coach who was a winner and we likely would not find one with a greater résumé than Mourinho,” Costa said.
“It is a matter of great pride to have him back with the club.”

What Lies Ahead for José Mourinho at Benfica

The appointment places Mourinho back on one of European football’s biggest stages. Benfica’s next match is on Saturday in the Portuguese league at AVS, while its next Champions League fixture is at Chelsea on September 30. Fans are eager to see how quickly Mourinho can imprint his tactical style and leadership on a squad that has shown inconsistency in recent weeks.

Mourinho’s return also resonates beyond Portugal. His track record across Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma and Fenerbahce means his moves are closely followed across Europe. For Benfica, the signing signals a commitment to reclaiming domestic dominance and advancing deep into the Champions League once again.

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