Legendary football manager Jose Mourinho is the kind of figure you either love or hate.
For many years, he stood among the few managers in European soccer viewed as the golden standard to lead a club to glory. Learning from extraordinary football minds like Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal, Mourinho sharpened an unorthodox approach to tactics and man-management. He became a master at getting the most out of his players and holding everyone accountable. He’s also never afraid to speak his mind.
Mourinho’s career began with a brief tenure at Benfica from 1996 until 2000, where in a short span he went from assistant to head manager. His rise was rapid, and he quickly ascended to the top of the football food chain. Notable stops included FC Porto, Inter Milan, Chelsea (twice), Real Madrid and Manchester United. Along the way, he collected over 25 senior club trophies, including multiple league titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain. He also claimed two UEFA Champions League titles, one with Porto and one with Inter Milan, in addition to the UEFA Cup (now Europa League) and the UEFA Europa Conference League, cementing himself as one of the most decorated managers in football history.
Mourinho has always been a polarizing figure, and controversy has followed him throughout his career. His most recent stint with Turkish club Fenerbahce was packed with drama. On August 29, 2025, he was fired by club president Ali Koc after Fenerbahce was eliminated in the UEFA Champions League qualifier by his new club, Benfica, according to ESPN.
In February 2025, Mourinho was also accused by Galatasaray of making racist and inappropriate remarks towards their team, as reported by ESPN. These incidents damaged his reputation further, with many Turkish fans losing respect for a manager who was once held in the highest regard. The conflict undoubtedly placed another stain on his legacy.
Now 62 years old, Mourinho still has the itch for soccer success. Some fans believe his style of play and philosophy may be outdated for the current landscape of the game, even though he found success recently with Roma. Still, his full-circle return to Benfica offers him an opportunity to wipe the slate clean. If he can lead the club to further glory, he may yet reshape his legacy.
Benfica, fresh off winning the Portuguese League Cup in the 2024–25 season, are already in a strong position. Mourinho’s appointment has raised expectations even higher, as fans wonder whether the self-proclaimed “Dark Lord of Football” can once again turn his unique blend of discipline, charisma and tactical nous into silverware.
Fans will be filled with anticipation as Mourinho embarks on this latest chapter. For a manager whose career has always been defined by drama, triumph and controversy in equal measure, his second spell at Benfica is more than just a return. It is a chance to prove that even after decades at the highest level, Mourinho still has unfinished business with the beautiful game.