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Benfica Lisbon, 17 September 2025 – Portuguese powerhouse Benfica is reportedly set to bring José Mourinho back as their manager, according to TV station RTP. This comes in the wake of the club’s decision to part ways with Bruno Lage following a shocking 3-2 home defeat by Qarabag in the Champions League.
What We Know So Far
- Bruno Lage Sacked
Benfica have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Lage to step down after the Qarabag loss. President Rui Costa expressed gratitude to him but said the moment had come for change. - Mourinho’s Situation
José Mourinho, aged 62, left Fenerbahçe in August, shortly after his side were eliminated by Benfica in the Champions League playoffs. He began his managerial career at Benfica in 2000/01, albeit for a brief period. - Timing
If confirmed, the expectation is that Benfica would have jose Mourinho on the bench for their next Primeira Liga fixture, away to AVS Futebol SAD this Saturday. - Current League Position
Benfica are off to a shaky start this season. They currently sit sixth in the Primeira Liga with 10 points from 4 matches. - European Context
The move carries extra significance: Benfica will face some of jose Mourinho’s former clubs in upcoming Champions League group matches — notably Chelsea on September 30, and Real Madrid in January. Such fixtures would bring added narrative interest should Mourinho take charge.
What’s Still Unclear
- Official Confirmation
Despite the strong reports, Benfica has not yet officially announced jose Mourinho’s appointment. - Contract Details
Terms of the agreement, length of contract, support staff, and transfer powers have not been made public. - Mourinho’s Objectives
While it is assumed the goal is to restore Benfica’s domestic dominance and improve their performance in Europe, specific strategic plans (e.g. style of play, youth integration, squad overhaul) remain speculative.
Significance & Implications
- Full Circle for Mourinho
If confirmed, the appointment represents a return home of sorts. Mourinho’s managerial journey has taken him through many of Europe’s biggest clubs — Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Roma, Tottenham, and most recently Fenerbahçe. Benfica was among his first stops in his managerial career. - Pressure Expectations
Benfica have not won the Primeira Liga title in the two most recent seasons, finishing second behind Sporting CP both times. There will be strong expectation from fans and club leadership that Mourinho can change that, as well as shifting their European fortunes. - High-Profile Matches Ahead
A clash with Chelsea so soon after taking over would be immediately under the spotlight, especially considering Mourinho’s history there. The Real Madrid fixture adds more pressure and narrative weight.
What’s Next
- A likely formal announcement from Benfica in the coming days.
- Mourinho possibly taking charge for the match at AVS this Saturday.
- Monitoring what changes he will bring – tactical, squad, support staff.
- How Benfica respond in Primeira Liga and Champions League under Mourinho’s leadership will be watched closely.
