José Mourinho is back in Portugal, returning to Benfica as head coach more than two decades after his first brief spell at the club.
The 62-year-old was unveiled on Thursday at Benfica’s Seixal training complex, where he shook hands with club president Rui Costa during his official presentation.
Mourinho, who has managed some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United, signed a contract running until the end of the 2026/27 season. The agreement also allows either party to terminate the deal at the end of this campaign.
His appointment comes just two days after Benfica dismissed Bruno Lage, following a shock Champions League defeat to Azerbaijani champions Qarabag.
Mourinho’s most recent job ended in August when he was sacked by Turkish side Fenerbahce — coincidentally after losing to Benfica in the Champions League play-offs.
The Portuguese coach is set for early reunions with two of his former clubs: Chelsea in the Champions League on September 30, and Porto in the Primeira Liga on October 5.
Mourinho began his managerial career at Benfica in 2000 but resigned after just 11 matches. He later found glory at Porto, winning two league titles and the 2004 Champions League, which launched him onto the European stage.
Since then, his career has spanned major successes at Chelsea, Inter and Madrid, followed by more modest spells at Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma and Fenerbahce.
For Benfica, the hope is that Mourinho’s return will reignite their domestic and continental ambitions — and for the veteran manager, it is a homecoming long in the making.
