Jose Mourinho Nears Benfica Return After Premier League Exit

Jose Mourinho, 62, is close to rejoining Benfica after being sacked by Fenerbahce in August. The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs boss has ruled out a Premier League comeback for now, despite previously setting conditions for a London-based club outside European competition. Mourinho has won three Premier League titles, a Champions League, and multiple domestic cups.

When the news broke that Jose Mourinho is close to a managerial return with Benfica, it marked a fresh chapter in the decorated career of the Portuguese coach. At 62, Mourinho has been out of work since his dismissal from Fenerbahce in August 2025, but reports suggest he is set to take charge at Estadio da Luz, the club where he began his top-level management journey more than two decades ago.

His return comes after Benfica’s shock Champions League exit to Qarabag, which cost Bruno Lage his job. Mourinho’s illustrious career includes three Premier League titles, three League Cups and an FA Cup with Chelsea, as well as a Europa League and League Cup with Manchester United. He also had spells with Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Roma, winning the Champions League with Porto in 2004 and with Inter in 2010, along with major domestic titles in Spain and Italy.

At Roma, he added the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022. Despite his imminent homecoming, Mourinho has previously stated two conditions for a Premier League return: taking charge of a London-based side and ideally one not playing in European competition. For now, Benfica appears to be his next challenge, but his affection for English football suggests the door to the Premier League remains open.