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 Parts Ways with Fenerbahce After One Season

Jose Mourinho has stepped down as Fenerbahce manager after just over a year in charge, with the club confirming his departure in a brief statement on Thursday.

Teknik Direktörümüz Jose Mourinho, Benfica maçı sonrası açıklamalarda bulundu.

🔗 https://t.co/lVg9RrUilV pic.twitter.com/1CzuP8GVOf
— Fenerbahçe SK (@Fenerbahce) August 27, 2025

The news comes only two days after the Turkish giants were knocked out of the Champions League play-offs by Benfica, a result that effectively ended their hopes of competing in Europe’s elite competition this season.

In their statement, Fenerbahce said Mourinho had “parted ways” with the club and thanked the 62-year-old for his service. “We wish him success in his future career,” the club added.

A turbulent spell in Turkey

Mourinho arrived in Istanbul in the summer of 2024 after leaving Roma, bringing with him his trademark charisma and reputation as one of football’s biggest managerial names. Expectations were high, but his year at Fenerbahce proved to be a rollercoaster.

On the pitch, the Portuguese coach guided the team to a second-place finish in the Turkish Super Lig, narrowly missing out on the title to fierce rivals Galatasaray. But off the pitch, his tenure was mired in controversy.

In February, Mourinho was accused by Galatasaray of making racist remarks following a heated 0-0 draw. The club announced it would “initiate criminal proceedings” against him. Mourinho strongly denied the allegations, insisting he was the “opposite” of racist, and filed a countersuit for damages worth 1,907,000 Turkish Lira (£41,000).

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His outspoken criticism of Turkish referees also brought him into conflict with the authorities. After lambasting officials following that same Galatasaray clash, he was handed a four-match suspension, which was later reduced to two.

Mourinho’s legacy and future

Despite the turbulence, Mourinho remains one of the most decorated managers of his generation. He has managed 10 clubs in his storied career, winning league titles in England, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, along with two Champions League crowns with Porto and Inter Milan.

His triumphs also include three Premier League titles across two spells with Chelsea, a Europa League win with Manchester United in 2017, and the inaugural Europa Conference League with Roma in 2022 — the club’s first European trophy.

Where Mourinho goes next remains to be seen, but his departure from Turkey ensures that one of football’s most polarising figures is once again on the market.