Jose Mourinho has been named the new head coach of Benfica, signing a two-year contract with the Portuguese giants.
The 62-year-old returns to the club where he began his managerial career in 2000, following his recent dismissal from Fenerbahce.
Mourinho was sacked by the Turkish side last month after just over a year in charge, reportedly due to his criticism of the club’s transfer strategy ahead of their Champions League play-off against Benfica.
Ironically, just three weeks later, he now takes the helm of the team that contributed to his exit.
The three-time Premier League winner will lead his first training session on Thursday as he replaces Bruno Lage, the former Wolves boss who was dismissed following Benfica’s shock 2-1 home defeat to Qarabag in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Mourinho’s contract runs through the end of the 2026/27 season, although both parties have the option not to extend the agreement beyond the current campaign.
In his introductory press conference, Mourinho pledged to bring a more mature and less egocentric version of himself to the role.
This marks a full-circle moment for the Portuguese manager, who had a brief stint in charge of Benfica in 2000 before departing after just three months due to a contractual dispute.
Later this month, Mourinho will face a familiar opponent when Benfica travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea in the Champions League on September 30.
Mourinho rose to prominence with Benfica’s rivals Porto, guiding them to UEFA Cup glory in 2003 and a Champions League triumph in 2004.
He then joined Chelsea, leading them to Premier League titles in 2005, 2006, and again in 2015 during his second spell.
His illustrious career has also included Champions League success with Inter Milan in 2010, and domestic and European honours with Real Madrid and Manchester United — including the Europa League and League Cup in 2017.
