Jose Mourinho is heading back to familiar ground. After more than two decades, the Portuguese manager has officially returned to Benfica, the club where he first stepped into senior management back in 2000.
This time, though, he comes with a career full of trophies, global recognition, and plenty of intrigue surrounding what might happen next.
Benfica Make It Official
The Lisbon giants confirmed on Thursday that Mourinho has signed a two-year deal, running until the end of the 2026–27 season.
The contract includes an option for both sides to walk away 10 days after the close of the 2025–26 campaign, giving Benfica and Mourinho some flexibility if things don’t go to plan.
The announcement was made formally through Portugal’s Securities Market Commission, underlining just how big and official this move is for the club.
From Free Agent to Benfica’s Bench
At 62, Mourinho was available after being dismissed by Fenerbahce last month following their Champions League qualification failure.
His departure immediately set off speculation across Europe about his next move, but Benfica quickly emerged as the frontrunners after parting ways with Bruno Lage.
By Wednesday night, Mourinho was already back in Portugal, welcomed by fans who draped a Benfica scarf around his shoulders.
Smiling, he admitted he didn’t need much convincing.
Mourinho Explains His Decision
Speaking to reporters on his arrival, Mourinho explained that the opportunity felt right:
“Before I got on the plane, they asked if I might be interested. I said yes, I might be.
When I came back to Portugal, Benfica asked me officially, and I said, ‘I’d like it.’
This isn’t about celebrating a career or a homecoming—when the chance came, I didn’t think twice.”
His words suggest that this move is less about nostalgia and more about unfinished business with one of Portugal’s biggest clubs.
A Career Full of Silverware
Mourinho’s return carries extra weight because of everything that’s happened since his short 10-game stint at Benfica in 2000.
He went on to conquer Europe with Porto, dominate in England with Chelsea, collect silverware in Italy with Inter Milan, triumph in Spain with Real Madrid, and add more trophies with Manchester United, Roma, and most recently, Fenerbahce.
Now, after all those triumphs abroad, he’s back at the very club where his managerial journey began.
A Club in Need of Stability
Benfica’s decision comes in the middle of a difficult spell.
The team recently suffered a shock Champions League defeat to Qarabag and sits sixth in the Portuguese league—five points adrift of leaders Porto.
Club president Rui Costa made it clear the time had come for change, saying:
“The Benfica coach must be a winner. He must represent the size of this club and take the team to the level we demand.”
Mourinho, with his reputation for building strong, winning sides, fits that bill perfectly.
A Storyline to Watch
What adds even more spice to this appointment is the Champions League fixture list.
Later this month, Benfica will travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, one of Mourinho’s former clubs where he enjoyed some of his biggest successes.
It’s the kind of storyline that football fans and media will relish.
What Comes Next for Benfica and Mourinho
For now, Mourinho’s immediate task will be Benfica’s upcoming league match against Vila das Aves this weekend, where he is set to take charge from the dugout.
Fans will be eager to see if the “Special One” can inject the confidence, resilience, and winning mentality the club needs.
Whether this return to Lisbon marks a triumphant chapter or another fiery stop in Mourinho’s storied career remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: Benfica and Portuguese football just got a whole lot more interesting.