September 18, 2025
By Tobi Akinnubi
Portuguese giants Benfica have confirmed the appointment of Jose Mourinho as their new manager on a contract running until the summer of 2027.
The 62-year-old succeeds Bruno Lage, who was dismissed after Benfica’s shock UEFA Champions League defeat to Qarabag on Tuesday.
Mourinho returns to management less than a month after being sacked by Fenerbahce, ironically following a Champions League play-off defeat to his new club.
This marks a return to familiar ground for the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United boss, who began his managerial career with Benfica in 2000. He managed just 10 games before leaving after a dispute with the club president.
His deal also includes a clause allowing either party to opt out up to 10 days after the end of the 2025–26 campaign.
Despite losing only one match across all competitions this season, Lage was dismissed, leaving Mourinho to take charge of a team currently sixth in the Primeira Liga, five points behind leaders Porto but with a game in hand.
