José Mourinho has been named the new head coach of Benfica, signing a contract until the summer of 2027 in a move that sets up an early Champions League reunion with his former club Chelsea.
Contract Details and Break Clause
The 62-year-old replaces Bruno Lage, who was dismissed following Benfica’s 3-2 Champions League defeat to Qarabag on Tuesday.
Benfica confirmed that Mourinho’s deal includes a break clause, giving either party the right to terminate the contract within 10 days of the club’s final game this season. The clause is tied to the club’s upcoming presidential elections in October, a factor Mourinho described as central to the agreement.
“It’s a contract with great ethics behind it,” he said. “I only signed what pleased me, but this clause reflects respect for the elections and the members. It touched me that the contract was built with that ethical concept.”
He added: “The day after the elections, I will still be Benfica’s coach. I want to work here, but I also wish for people to trust me.”
A Swift Return to Chelsea
Mourinho’s appointment means his fourth game in charge will take him back to Stamford Bridge, where Benfica face Chelsea in the Champions League on 30 September.
The Portuguese manager is widely regarded as one of Chelsea’s most iconic figures, having won three Premier League titles across two spells at the club. His return is likely to draw intense media and fan attention, though this time from the visitors’ dugout.
Back in Portugal After 20 Years
This is Mourinho’s first role in Portuguese football since leaving Porto in 2004, after leading them to Champions League glory.
His managerial journey has since taken him to some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Most recently, he was in charge at Fenerbahce but left the Turkish side in August after a Champions League qualifier defeat — ironically to Benfica.
Despite his global success, Mourinho said the opportunity to return to Benfica, where he had a brief stint in 2000, carried unique significance.
“I had the opportunity to work at the biggest clubs in the world,” he said. “But none made me feel more honoured, responsible or motivated than being the coach of Benfica. Actions matter more than words, and my promise is clear: I will live for Benfica, for my mission.”
Upcoming Fixtures
Mourinho’s first match will be a league fixture on Saturday against struggling AVS. Benfica currently sit sixth in the Portuguese league, five points behind leaders Porto but with a game in hand.
On 5 October, Mourinho will return to Porto, where he remains a revered figure after guiding them to Champions League triumph. He received a standing ovation as a spectator at the Estádio do Dragão last week but admitted the reception will be different this time.
“My goal is not to enjoy a visit but to win,” he said. “The respect they have for me doesn’t change, but I am returning as coach of their main rival.”
Twelfth Managerial Job
Benfica becomes the 12th club of Mourinho’s managerial career and his first in Portugal for over two decades. His return adds intrigue to both the domestic and European campaigns, as Benfica look to recover from a stuttering start and reassert themselves as title contenders.
For Mourinho, the job offers not just a homecoming but a chance to restore his reputation at one of the clubs closest to his heart — with an immediate test against Chelsea looming on the horizon.
