Jose Mourinho Returns to Benfica After 25 Years
It has been 25 years since Jose Mourinho last managed Benfica, a period during which he has ascended to the pinnacle of football management, earning a reputation as one of the sport's greats.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mourinho, often referred to as the 'Special One,' has secured two Champions League titles, a UEFA Cup, a Europa League, a Conference League, and eight league titles, while managing ten different clubs.
In Portugal, he remains a revered figure among fans who remember his success with Porto, his treble-winning season at Inter Milan, and his stints with prestigious clubs such as Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United.
Despite the fact that his last league title was a decade ago, excitement surrounds the 62-year-old's return to Benfica.
Outside the new Estadio da Luz, which was not yet built during Mourinho's previous tenure at Benfica, media activity surged as news of his return broke.
“We are missing iconic coaches like him in Portugal,” said CNN journalist Joao Pedro Oca, speaking between live broadcasts. “His legacy is immense here, especially due to his achievements with Porto.”
“Mourinho has long been linked with Benfica. His return was anticipated, and many expected he would eventually come back to both the club and the national team. It was only a matter of time.”
However, this appointment carries risks for both Benfica and Mourinho, particularly with the club's presidential elections set to commence on October 25.
“He is a beloved figure in Portugal, one who transcends club rivalries,” noted Expresso journalist Diogo Pombo. “However, many are aware that the peak of Mourinho’s career has passed, and his recent coaching style has been contentious.”
“He has a history with Benfica, which works in his favor—when he left, he was beloved by fans despite only managing 11 games, and there was a sense of injustice regarding the club's missed opportunity to grow with such an ambitious coach.”
Unfinished Business?
Manuel Vilarinho, Benfica's president at the time, later expressed regret over not renewing Mourinho's contract when the young manager, in his first role, felt unsupported and threatened to resign.
Vilarinho had recently replaced Joao Vale e Azevedo, the president who appointed Mourinho just a month prior, almost exactly 25 years ago.
Believing Vilarinho sought a different coach, Mourinho stepped down in December 2000 after winning six of his 11 matches in charge.
“He made a significant impact,” said Filipe Ingles, host of the Benfica FM podcast. “At that time, Benfica was struggling; it was one of the worst seasons in the club's history. Mourinho's influence was evident, and he already exhibited the persona we associate with him from his time at Porto and Chelsea.”
Benfica endured an 11-year drought without a Portuguese title, which only ended after Mourinho left Porto for Chelsea in 2004, following a Champions League victory.
“We often ponder what could have been had Mourinho stayed at Benfica,” added Ingles. “Perhaps he can change that narrative now—25 years later.”
This time, the dynamics have shifted. Rui Costa, a member of the Eagles squad that won the league in 1994 and a star for the national team, is counting on Mourinho's arrival to secure another term as president.
“Fans may perceive his appointment as a long-awaited reunion,” Pombo noted. “However, the timing, coinciding with upcoming elections, influences the reception of his return.”
A 'Hail Mary' in a Political Storm?
Costa stated that he dismissed Bruno Lage following a 3-2 defeat by Qarabag in the Champions League because a “Benfica coach must embody a winning profile.”
Mourinho's last trophy came three years ago when he won the Conference League with Roma. Prior to that, he secured the Europa League with Manchester United in 2017, and his last league title was with Chelsea in 2015.
He concluded his term at Fenerbahce with a 71.1% win ratio in the league, surpassed only by his time at Porto (75.9%) and Real Madrid (76.3%). However, he was dismissed after Fenerbahce was eliminated from this season’s Champions League play-offs by Benfica.
“Benfica requires a new coach, a different approach, and a strong presence on the bench,” Oca explained. “Most Benfica fans consider Mourinho a solid choice.”
“The issue lies in the timing. This is a precarious situation, and the future is uncertain. It poses risks for both Rui Costa and Mourinho.”
Costa insists that Mourinho's appointment is a sporting decision rather than a strategic move to bolster his re-election campaign.
“I have never prioritized my interests over those of Benfica, and I will not do so now,” he stated.
According to a recent poll on Portuguese television, Costa currently ranks second among six candidates ahead of the October elections; however, the race appears too close to call among the top three contenders.
“Other candidates are criticizing this decision,” Ingles noted. “If a new president is elected, which seems likely, it will create a challenging situation for both parties—Mourinho will have to work under a new president, who may not support him.”
“There are many uncertainties, and some perceive Rui Costa's move as a desperate attempt to secure re-election, especially since he has only won one championship in four years, making it questionable to dismiss a manager at the season's start.”
Beyond the political implications surrounding Mourinho's arrival, there is palpable excitement and curiosity among fans and journalists alike.
“If you had told me or any Benfica fan that Mourinho would be returning five or ten years ago, we would have been ecstatic,” remarked Ingles. “He is undoubtedly the best Portuguese manager of all time and one of the greatest managers globally, but we must consider whether he can still perform at that level.”
“Journalists in Portugal are thrilled about his comeback. There will certainly be significant attention and anticipation to see if he can still make a mark in Portuguese football, which I believe he can. With a talented squad, failing to secure the title would be seen as a disappointment.”