With his signature “HERE WE GO,” transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has announced that 62-year-old Portuguese coach José Mourinho would return to Portugal to coach Benfica.
Romano said a two-year contract has been verbally agreed upon, with the signing due within 24 hours. This comeback is one of Mourinho’s most dramatic turns.
Benfica Fires Bruno Lage After Champions League Loss
The timing of this manoeuvre is crucial. In their Champions League group stage opener at home yesterday, Benfica suffered a shock loss.
Although they had the lead, Qarabağ, the Azerbaijani underdogs, scored three goals and completed a spectacular turnaround. Local media called it one of the club’s most embarrassing European losses.
Benfica fired Bruno Lage hours after the game. The board immediately prioritised Mourinho to avoid further collapse. After one day of negotiations, the parties struck a verbal agreement.
The Ironic Twist Of Fate
Cinematic irony permeates the situation. Fenerbahçe fired Mourinho last month. Bruno Lage’s Benfica eliminated him in the Champions League play-off round, triggering his departure. Mourinho left Fenerbahçe less than 24 hours after the club’s 0-1 loss in two legs.
In an unexpected move, Benfica have fired Lage and is preparing to hire the man he defeated. It’s a return to familiar ground and a chance for Mourinho to redeem himself on the stage where he suffered his last loss.
Mourinho Discloses Benfica Talks
In response to inquiries about negotiations, Mourinho stated that Benfica formally inquired about his interest in coaching them.
“I told them I’m abroad but would like to meet with club personnel when I return. Watch how things progress.”
His diplomatic remarks almost confirmed that the “Special One” will return to Lisbon.
Return After 25 Years
The Benfica bench will be familiar to Mourinho. In September 2000, Benfica became the first club to hire him as head coach after Jupp Heynckes was fired. After serving as an assistant at Barcelona, Mourinho was only starting his career. Resigning over board issues ended his first term in less than three months.
After 25 years, he will return as one of the most decorated football managers in history, having won league crowns in four nations and two Champions League titles.
New Challenge And Chelsea Reunion
Mourinho’s second debut as Benfica coach is scheduled for next Saturday, when the Eagles face Aves in league action. Yet the bigger headline will come on October 1, when Benfica travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea in the Champions League.
For Mourinho, this will be a reunion with the club he managed in two spells (2004–2007 and 2013–2015), where he cemented his legacy in English football.
Football fans eagerly await the announcement. Mourinho’s return to Benfica marks the end of a 25-year chapter and sets up one of the season’s most intriguing narratives.
