In a stunning twist of fate, Jose Mourinho is on the verge of returning to Benfica—25 years after his brief debut as their head coach. Just weeks after parting ways with Fenerbahce, the Portuguese tactician is reportedly in advanced negotiations with the club that ended his most recent managerial stint. With Benfica now in urgent need of a new leader following Bruno Lage’s dismissal, all signs point to Mourinho’s sensational comeback to where it all began.
Mourinho Linked with Benfica Comeback After Lage Exit
Benfica acted swiftly after their shock Champions League loss to Azerbaijani side Qarabag, parting ways with manager Bruno Lage on Wednesday morning. The 3–2 defeat, which saw Benfica surrender a two-goal lead on home turf, marked Qarabag’s first-ever group stage victory in the competition and sealed Lage’s fate.
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Lisbon-based giants are in “advanced talks” with Mourinho, who has reportedly shown strong interest in an immediate return to the sidelines.
“Understand Mourinho has opened doors to Benfica move as he wants to return to coaching immediately,” Romano posted on X (formerly Twitter).
A Return 25 Years in the Making
Jose Mourinho’s coaching journey began at Benfica back in 2000, when he took over from Jupp Heynckes. His tenure lasted just nine league matches before he stepped down, frustrated by the club’s refusal to extend his contract.
Since then, the ‘Special One’ has enjoyed a glittering career, collecting silverware at FC Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and AS Roma. He also had a brief but headline-grabbing spell at Tottenham Hotspur. His most recent job was at Fenerbahce, where he lasted just over a season before being let go on August 29—ironically after a Champions League qualifying defeat to Benfica.
Benfica’s High-Stakes Gamble
Benfica president Rui Costa, while careful not to confirm names, emphasized the importance of appointing a manager capable of delivering titles and elevating the club to elite European levels.
“A coach representing a club of this size must be one with the ability to bring this team to the levels we demand,” Costa said during a press conference. “There’s no point in talking about names. No coach has been appointed, nor has any coach been mentioned to represent Benfica in the future.”
However, behind the scenes, Mourinho is emerging as the clear frontrunner. With Benfica keen to name a new manager before this weekend’s Liga Portugal clash, a deal could be finalized imminently.
Familiar Foes Await Mourinho in Champions League
If Mourinho signs, his Champions League journey with Benfica will begin against a very familiar face—Chelsea. The Portuguese manager enjoyed two trophy-laden spells at Stamford Bridge, winning three Premier League titles and four domestic cups.
The road doesn’t get any easier from there. Benfica’s group stage campaign also includes daunting fixtures against Newcastle United, Serie A champions Napoli, Bundesliga powerhouse Bayer Leverkusen, and Spanish giants Real Madrid—another former Mourinho club. Add away games against Ajax and Juventus to the mix, and the challenge couldn’t be more intense.
From the Sidelines to the Spotlight—Again
Mourinho’s potential return to Benfica feels like the perfect storm: a storied coach with unfinished business, a historic club in crisis, and a brutal Champions League schedule that demands experience and tactical genius. At 62, Mourinho is far from ready to retire. If the deal goes through, expect fireworks.
