Jose Mourinho is on the brink of joining Benfica
Jose Mourinho is in advanced talks to return to Benfica, 25 years after his brief first spell at the club.
Benfica is reportedly interested in signing Jose Mourinho after shockingly parting ways with head coach Bruno Lage.
Bruno Lage was fired by Benfica after losing 3-2 to Qarabag at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in the Champions League despite taking a 2-0 lead in the game.
Club president Rui Costa is pushing for a marquee managerial appointment ahead of next month’s presidential elections, with Mourinho emerging as the frontrunner.
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His main rival candidate, Joao Noronha Lopes, is reportedly eyeing a bold move for Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim, raising the stakes further in the political battle surrounding the club.
Mourinho, 62, has been out of work since leaving Turkish side Fenerbahce last month after failing to steer them into the Champions League group stage.
A return to Benfica would mark a full-circle moment for the “Special One,” who began his head coaching career there in 2000 before resigning just three months into the job.
He went on to enjoy glittering spells with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Roma, collecting domestic titles, two Champions Leagues and, most recently, the Europa Conference League with Roma in 2022.
Despite mixed fortunes in recent years, Mourinho remains one of football’s most accomplished and charismatic managers.
If appointed, Jose’s first major test would be a blockbuster clash against former club Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on September 30, 2025, in the Champions League.
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