Jose Mourinho’s coaching journey took an exciting turn as he returned to Benfica on Thursday, nearly 25 years after his initial coaching stint with the Lisbon club.
The 62-year-old, who parted ways with Turkey’s Fenerbahce last month, has signed a contract extending until the end of the 2026-27 season, marking his comeback to the club where his career began.
“My commitment is to dedicate myself to Benfica, to embrace my role,” Mourinho stated to reporters at the Seixal training facility near Lisbon.
“I’m leading one of the world’s top clubs… It’s not about me, it’s about Benfica, the fans. I’m here to contribute.
“I feel a great responsibility, yet I’m more energized than ever. I aim to win titles… My goal is to successfully complete my two-year tenure.”
Mourinho’s departure from Fenerbahce was by mutual agreement, following their Champions League playoff loss to Benfica.
Now, the former head coach of Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United gets another chance at the competition he won twice, with Portugal’s Porto in 2003-04 and Inter Milan in 2009-10.
Benfica President Rui Costa expressed his desire for a coach with a proven track record, praising Mourinho as one of the world’s most esteemed managers.
Mourinho was approached after Benfica dismissed Bruno Lage following a surprising 3-2 defeat against Qarabag in their Champions League opener.
The self-titled “Special One” will encounter familiar rivals in the group stage, as Benfica faces Chelsea on September 30 and hosts Real Madrid in their final group match on January 28.
Both parties have the option to terminate the contract within 10 days after the season’s last match, according to Benfica’s filing to the stock market regulator.
