Jose Mourinho has officially returned to Benfica, two decades after his brief first spell in charge. The 62-year-old coach, dismissed by Fenerbahce last month following their Champions League elimination, has signed a two-year contract with the Lisbon giants, though both sides hold an option to part ways at the end of the current campaign.
Mourinho succeeds Bruno Lage, who was sacked after Benfica’s shock 3-2 defeat to Qarabag in their Champions League opener.
His appointment signals a dramatic new chapter for the club, which currently sits second in the Portuguese league behind Porto.
Club president Rui Costa described Mourinho as “one of the world’s most respected coaches,” noting his experience as a key asset at a turbulent moment.
The Special One arrives with immediate challenges. Benfica face Chelsea in the Champions League later this month before meeting arch-rivals Porto in the league, a daunting schedule that could quickly shape the narrative of Mourinho’s second spell in Portugal.
Reports suggest he is already eyeing reinforcements, with Karim Benzema and Real Madrid full-back Ferland Mendy linked as potential January signings.
At his unveiling, Mourinho struck a reflective tone. “I come to Benfica less self-centred, more focused on what I can give to others. Benfica is the priority.” His mission is clear: restore Benfica’s domestic dominance and make them competitive again in Europe.