Portuguese football icon Jose Mourinho has officially been appointed as the new head coach of Benfica, signing a two-year contract with the club. The 62-year-old makes a dramatic return to the team where his managerial career began back in 2000.
Mourinho, who was dismissed by Fenerbahce last month after just over a year in charge, is set to oversee his first training session with Benfica on Thursday. He replaces former Wolves manager Bruno Lage, who was sacked following the club’s shock Champions League home defeat to Qarabag of Azerbaijan.
Speaking at his unveiling, Mourinho promised a more mature and selfless approach to management, contrasting with the fiery image that defined much of his career.
“Today I think a lot more about others. I’m last in line. I’m here to serve,” Mourinho said. “I’m at a completely different stage of maturity. I’m more altruistic, less egocentric. The only thing that hasn’t changed is my desire to win the next match.”
Despite his age, Mourinho dismissed suggestions that his return to Benfica signals an approaching retirement.
“I’ll only stop when I feel something has changed,” he said. “Right now, I feel hungrier than I did 25 years ago.”
Mourinho’s return is particularly symbolic, as he began his senior managerial journey at Benfica in 2000, though his first stint lasted only three months due to a contract dispute. This time, he expressed pride and deep motivation to lead the club forward.
“I’m now the coach of one of the greatest clubs in the world,” Mourinho declared. “None of the other giant clubs I coached made me feel as honoured and motivated as I do now at Benfica.”
The appointment marks a new chapter for both Mourinho and Benfica, with fans eager to see how his vast experience across Europe will shape the club’s future success.
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