Aug 4, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Chelsea head coach Jose Mourinho looks on during the first half against AC Milan at Metlife Stadium. Chelsea won the game 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

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Jose Mourinho Set for Stunning Return As Benfica Manager

Jose Mourinho is on the verge of a sensational return to Benfica, nearly 25 years after beginning his managerial career at the Lisbon club. Notably, the 61-year-old tactician was dismissed by Fenerbahce just last month. Mourinho is in advanced talks to take charge of the Portuguese giants following the sacking of Bruno Lage.

Benfica parted ways with Lage after a disastrous start to the season, which was capped by a shocking 3-2 home defeat to Azerbaijani side Qarabag in the Champions League. Benfica had been 2-0 up before collapsing, a result that proved to be the final straw for club president Rui Costa.

🚨💣 BREAKING: Benfica are in advanced talks with José Mourinho after Bruno Lage got sacked overnight! ❤️🤍

Understand Mourinho has opened doors to Benfica move as he wants to return to coaching immediately.

The agreement could be sealed soon. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/RL8eZmn5BY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 17, 2025

Interestingly, Mourinho began his managerial journey at Benfica back in September 2000. He took charge of just 11 games before moving on to Porto, where he famously won the Champions League in 2004. A return to his homeland would mark his first coaching role in Portugal in over two decades.

Jose Mourinho To Return Just 19 Days After Being Sacked

Ironically, Mourinho was sacked by Fenerbahce on 28th August after losing a Champions League qualifier to Benfica. If the deal goes ahead, Mourinho could now lead Benfica in Europe’s premier competition this season. It would be his 12th managerial role, following stints at Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma and most recently, Fenerbahce.

Also Read: Lionel Messi Inspires Inter Miami to Revenge Win Over Seattle Sounders

Mourinho’s first game in charge could come this weekend against AVS in the domestic league. Notably, Mourinho could return to Stamford Bridge on September 30 with Benfica to face his former club Chelsea in Champions League.

🦅🇪🇺 If José Mourinho signs for Benfica as deal is very close, this would be the Champions League schedule.

🔙 Chelsea
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Newcastle
🇩🇪 Leverkusen
🇳🇱 Ajax
🇮🇹 Napoli
🇮🇹 Juventus
🔙 Real Madrid pic.twitter.com/UpGNAWfNpf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 17, 2025

Also Read: Luka Modric’s First Serie A Goal Secures Narrow AC Milan Win Over Bologna

Having last lifted silverware in 2022 with Roma in the UEFA Conference League, Mourinho remains one of football’s most decorated coaches. With Benfica desperate to steady the ship, the Portuguese icon will be tasked with guiding the team back on track both domestically and in Europe.

Benfica

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.