Benfica have confirmed Jose Mourinho as their new coach, marking his return to Portuguese football more than two decades after he first left the club.
The 62-year-old signed a deal that runs until the end of the 2026/27 season, though both sides can decide to part ways at the close of the current campaign.
“Benfica announces the appointment of Jose Mourinho as head coach,” the club said in a statement on Thursday.
Mourinho takes over after Bruno Lage was dismissed following Benfica’s shock Champions League loss to Qarabag on Tuesday.
The move comes just a month after Mourinho was sacked by Fenerbahce, who were beaten by Benfica in the Champions League play-offs.
The new job means Mourinho will face some old foes soon. Benfica are set to play Chelsea, his first English club, in the Champions League on September 30. Days later, on October 5, he will meet Porto, the team he led to league titles and a famous Champions League triumph in 2004.
Mourinho began his managerial career at Benfica in September 2000 but quit after just 11 matches. He later rose to global fame with Porto before moving to Chelsea, where his bold style earned him the nickname “The Special One.”
His career has since taken him through top clubs such as Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, and most recently Fenerbahce.
For Benfica, who are chasing domestic and European success, the return of Portugal’s most decorated coach is seen as both a gamble and a statement of ambition.
