Jul 19, 2018; Glendale, AZ, USA; Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho reacts against Club America during an international friendly soccer match at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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Jose Mourinho Returns to Benfica As Head Coach on Two-Year Deal

Jose Mourinho is officially set for a sensational return to Benfica, nearly 25 years after starting his managerial career with the Portuguese giants. The “Special One” has verbally agreed to a contract running until June 2027, with formal paperwork expected to be completed within next 24 hours.

Mourinho replaces Bruno Lage, who was dismissed following Benfica’s shock 3-2 Champions League defeat at home to Qarabag. The result left the club reeling and searching for a high-profile appointment to steady the ship. As a result, Benfica have turned to the veteran coach who first took charge of them back in 2000. According to sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, Benfica’s proposal includes a two-year contract.

🚨🦅 BREAKING: José Mourinho to Benfica, here we go! Verbal agreement until June 2027.

Mourinho has accepted Benfica proposal and the formal steps will follow in next 24h.

Two year contract ready for the Special One as Benfica coach. ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/7ZUadcEr5e
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 17, 2025

Jose Mourinho To Return Just 19 Days After Being Sacked

The 61-year-old was recently dismissed by Fenerbahce after a Champions League qualification exit. Mourinho has wasted little time in finding his next challenge. He returns to action just 19 days after being sacked. Interestingly, Mourinho began his managerial journey at Benfica back in September 2000.

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He took charge of just 11 games before moving on to Porto. Mourinho returns with a trophy-laden resume including Champions League triumphs with Porto and Inter, three Premier League titles at Chelsea, and domestic silverware across Spain and Italy.

Benfica fans will not have to wait long to see their new manager in the spotlight. Mourinho will make his Champions League bow with the team later this month. All eyes will be on September 30, when Benfica face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. That clash will mark Mourinho’s emotional return to the stadium where he built his reputation as one of the greatest coaches in modern football.

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While his last major trophy came with Roma in 2022, Mourinho’s reputation as a master of knockout competitions and his fiery charisma make him a statement hire for Benfica. Supporters will hope that the Special One can inspire another golden era for the Lisbon side.

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Jose Mourinho

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.