Mourinho Returns to the UCL: José to Take Over at Benfica 25 Years After His First Spell

José Mourinho is set for a sensational return to the Champions League — and to Benfica. Less than a month after being dismissed by Fenerbahçe following a playoff defeat to the Portuguese giants, Mourinho is now on the verge of taking charge of the very club that “knocked him out.”

Benfica Hit the Reset Button

Benfica’s hierarchy lost patience after a disappointing start to the season. A 3–2 home defeat to Qarabağ in their opening Champions League league-phase match, followed by a 1–1 domestic draw with Santa Clara, proved to be the breaking point for head coach Bruno Lage.

Club president Rui Costa confirmed the decision in a public statement:

“We have just reached an agreement with Bruno Lage, who from today is no longer Benfica’s coach. I want to thank Bruno for everything he has tried to do, for his dedication and for the work he put into representing our club. Unfortunately, we believe it is time for change. We hope to have a new coach on the bench by Saturday.”

That new coach will be none other than José Mourinho.

The Special One Comes Home

According to Fabrizio Romano, Mourinho and Benfica have reached a verbal agreement on a contract running until June 2027, with the deal expected to be finalized within 24 hours. CNN Portugal has reported that negotiations are already in the final stage, with Mourinho eager to return to work.

The appointment means that Mourinho, who was fired by Fenerbahçe after losing to Benfica in Champions League qualifying, will now lead the Lisbon giants into the same competition — a dramatic twist of fate.

A Brutal Champions League Schedule

Mourinho will not have an easy start. Benfica’s Champions League league-phase fixtures include a trip to Chelsea in the second round and a January home clash against Real Madrid. That gives Mourinho a chance to face two of his former clubs in quick succession.

The full group also features Newcastle, Bayer Leverkusen, Ajax, Napoli, and Juventus — a brutal test for Benfica and their returning coach.

Mourinho’s First Benfica Spell

This will be Mourinho’s second stint at Benfica. He first took charge of the club back in September 2000, replacing Jupp Heynckes. It was Mourinho’s first big managerial role after spells as an assistant and youth coach.

However, his time in charge was short-lived. Despite beating Sporting in a Lisbon derby, Mourinho fell out with the board. When new president Manuel Vilarinho refused to extend his contract, Mourinho resigned in December 2000 after just 10 matches.

Years later, Vilarinho admitted that letting Mourinho go had been one of his biggest mistakes as president.

A Second Chance, 25 Years Later

Now, a quarter of a century later, both Mourinho and Benfica have a chance to write a new chapter together. For the 61-year-old Portuguese coach, it’s an opportunity to revive his career at the top level. For Benfica, it’s a bold gamble on a man who still commands immense respect in European football.

The “Special One” is back — and the Champions League is about to get even more dramatic.

Published by Patrick Jane
18.09.2025