Jose Mourinho is officially back where it all began. Benfica, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, confirmed the appointment of the Portuguese tactician on a two-year deal, marking his dramatic return to the Estadio da Luz a quarter of a century after his first spell in charge.
Mourinho, now 62, only managed Benfica for three months in 2000 before leaving under acrimonious circumstances, but his time there provided the springboard to a career that would see him conquer Europe.
He went on to win the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, league titles in Portugal, England, Spain, and Italy, and countless domestic trophies that earned him the title “The Special One.”
This comeback, however, comes under very different circumstances. Mourinho was dismissed by Fenerbahce earlier in September 2025, following a Champions League qualifying defeat, ironically to Benfica, a result that triggered his exit but ultimately paved the way for this return.
Speaking at his unveiling, Mourinho made no secret of his ambition.
Sacked in Istanbul, embraced in Lisbon: Did Mourinho plan his Benfica comeback?
“Coaching Benfica is returning to my level, and my level is coaching the biggest clubs in the world. I made a mistake going to Fenerbahçe. I gave my all until the last day, obviously.
“I’m hungrier than I was 25 years ago. Benfica has to bite hard. In recent games, they haven’t bitten much, in my opinion,” he added.
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