OFFICIAL: Mourinho makes emotional return to Portugal as Benfica unveil new manager

Suraj Radia

• 18 Sept 2025 16:05 BST
• 4 min read

News

Jose Mourinho has made a quick return to football after being unveiled by Benfica as their new manager.

Mourinho was sacked by Fenerbahce at the end of August after being knocked out of the Champions League play-offs by, of all teams, Benfica.

Benfica have started their new season strongly, with three wins in their first four league games, but a draw to Santa Clara and a home loss in the Champions League to Qarabag saw the Portuguese side sack manager Bruno Lage on Wednesday.

And just one day later, Mourinho was announced as the club’s new manager, signing a contract until 2027, although there is an option to terminate the deal next summer.

Speaking at the press conference to unveil him, Mourinho said: “I have so many emotions but experience helps me control them. I want to thank [the president Rui Costa] for the trust and the honour I feel in this moment.

“There isn’t a single person who doesn’t know the size of the Benfica nation and this club. I want to make one thing absolutely clear: I must be able to block all these emotions and look at Sport Lisboa e Benfica in a simplistic way. I am the coach of one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

Mourinho makes return to Portuguese football after 21-year absence

The news sees Mourinho return to manage in Portugal for the first time since leaving Porto in 2004 to join Chelsea and begin a glittering career outside his native home.

Having led Porto to a historic Champions League title, Mourinho built his reputation as ‘The Special One’ at Chelsea before further successful spells at Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

Following a second stint at Chelsea, Mourinho spent time with Manchester United, Tottenham and Roma before his spell with Fenerbahce in Turkey.

Mourinho has also kept eyes on managing the Portuguese national team after rejecting them twice throughout his career, having previously said he would not turn down the opportunity for the third time if it came around.

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