José Mourinho Makes Stunning Return to Benfica After 25 Years

Udaipur, Sept 22, 2025: Jose Mourinho has returned to Benfica after 25 years, completing the circle. He first worked as Benfica’s head coach in 2000. On Thursday night, Benfica confirmed his return in a statement. His contract with the club, the most successful team in Portugal’s top league, will run until 2027.

Mourinho had managed only 11 matches when he started his coaching career at Benfica more than 20 years ago. Out of those 11 matches, his team won 6, drew 3, and lost 2.

In 2001, he left Benfica to join União de Leiria, another Portuguese club. He worked there for one season before moving to Porto. With Porto, Mourinho won two league titles in a row and also lifted the Champions League in the 2003–04 season.

Mourinho Returns to Portugal

Fenerbahce fired Mourinho after losing to Benfica in the Champions League play-offs on August 29. Now, he will coach the same team he lost his job to.

This marks his return to his homeland after 21 years. Mourinho has not coached any club in Portugal since leaving Porto in 2004.

In his 20-year career, he has seen both wins and losses. He is called one of the best coaches in the world. The 'Special One' has won many trophies, including two Champions Leagues, one UEFA Cup, one Europa League, one Conference League, and eight league titles. Now he returns to Benfica aiming for more success. He will play against his former clubs Chelsea and Porto in the Champions League with Benfica. Both matches will be away. Benfica will face Chelsea on September 30 and Porto on October 5.