Benfica have confirmed Jose Mourinho as their new manager on a two-year contract until the summer of 2027, Afrosport reports.
The 62-year-old replaces Bruno Lage, who was dismissed following Tuesday’s shock Champions League defeat to Qarabag at home.
Mourinho returns to management less than a month after being sacked by Fenerbahce, ironically in the wake of a Champions League play-off defeat to his new club.
He began his managerial career with Benfica in 2000 but departed after just 11 matches following a dispute with former club president Manuel Vilarinho.
“It’s been 25 years, but I’m not here to celebrate my career,” Mourinho said at is unveiling ceremony on Thursday. “It’s been 25 years in which I’ve had the opportunity to work for the biggest clubs in the world.
“I want to tell you, as a representative of Benfica fans, that none of the clubs I’ve had the opportunity to coach have motivated me more than being Benfica’s coach.
“The promise is clear: I will live for Benfica, for my mission. It’s a tremendous honour.”
Míster José Mourinho 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/345gCLC23O
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) September 18, 2025
Meanwhile, the Portuguese club confirmed in an official statement that Mourinho’s contract includes a break clause, giving either party the option to end or extend the agreement within ten days of the final match of the 2025-26 campaign.
Benfica have suffered defeat just once across all competitions this season. They are currently sixth in the Primeira Liga, and are already five points adrift Porto with a game in hand.
Mourinho’s first fixture back at the Lisbon club will be on Saturday when they visit 17th-placed AVS. He also expected to play a few of his former clubs, starting with a visit to Stamford Bridge on 30 September to face Chelsea in the Champions League.
Next up is a trip to Porto on 5 October at the Estadio do Dragao, where he won six trophies, including two league titles and the Champions League. Benfica will also play Real Madrid in their final league phase game in Europe on 28 January 2026.
On his return to Porto, where he received a standing ovation last Saturday as a spectator, Mourinho said: “I’m expecting a different reception. The one they gave me before is normal: I’m a historic coach for the club.
“My goal is not to try to enjoy a visit but to win a game. The respect they have for me doesn’t change but I’m returning as the coach of the main rival.”
