Benfica have confirmed the appointment of José Mourinho as their new head coach, handing the 62-year-old a contract that runs until 2027, though a break clause allows either side to end the agreement at the close of this season.
The move brings Jose Mourinho back to Lisbon, a city where he had a brief spell in charge of Benfica in 2000 before resigning and building his reputation at Porto.
This time, he returns under far greater scrutiny, with his fourth game set to pit him against Chelsea in the Champions League on September 30. It will be a reunion rich in emotion, as the London club remains one of the defining stages of his career.
Mourinho replaces Bruno Lage, who was dismissed after Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to Qarabag in Europe. In a statement, Benfica explained that “a break clause which would allow the club or Mourinho to end his deal in the 10 days after their final game of this campaign” had been included in the agreement, ensuring flexibility on both sides.
The Portuguese coach has been out of work since leaving Fenerbahce in August, following an early European exit. In a twist of fate, it was Benfica who eliminated his former team from that competition
This marks Mourinho’s 12th managerial post, adding another chapter to a career that has taken him through some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Inter, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham and Roma.
