On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Jose Mourinho is poised to return to management as Benfica’s new head coach, following the sacking of Bruno Lage after a 3-2 Champions League defeat to Qarabag, as reported by Reuters and CNN Portugal. Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed the club’s urgency, stating, “We expect to have the new coach on the bench at Vila das Aves next Saturday,” with Portuguese media indicating an agreement in principle with Mourinho, pending final contractual details. The Lisbon giants had considered Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim, but Mourinho, who briefly managed Benfica in 2000 for 11 matches, emerged as the frontrunner.
Mourinho, 62, parted ways with Fenerbahce in August 2025 after their Champions League play-off loss to Benfica, marking an ironic twist as he now prepares to lead the club that ousted him. His appointment could bolster Costa’s position ahead of the October 25, 2025, presidential elections, amid competition from Joao Noronha Lopes, an Amorim supporter. The move positions Mourinho for high-profile Champions League clashes, including against Chelsea on September 30 and Real Madrid in January 2026 (Web:13, Web:15). X posts from @FabrizioRomano (September 17, 2025) confirmed “advanced talks,” while @Naija_Activist noted 68% fan optimism for Mourinho’s impact, per a 2025 SportPoll survey. His return aims to restore Benfica’s domestic dominance and European stature.
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