Benfica have announced the signing of Jose Mourinho as their new boss until summer 2027.
The 62-year-old replaces Bruno Lage, who was sacked after Tuesday’s upset Champions League loss to Qarabag.
Mourinho started his managerial stint at Benfica in 2000 before leaving after only 10 games as a result of a falling out with the club president and returns in dramatic fashion to the Lisbon club.
“The commitment is very clear – I will live for Benfica, for my vocation. I’m not the essential thing – Benfica is essential,” Mourinho asserted following his presentation.
The ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid manager assumes command barely a month after being fired by Fenerbahce after their Champions League play-off defeat to Benfica.
His deal contains an option for each side to agree on an extension past the 2025-26 season.
Even having lost just once this season, though, Lage’s departure leaves Mourinho with the task of reviving a side which is sixth in the Primeira Liga, five points behind leaders Porto but enjoying a game in hand.
Mourinho’s first spells on the sidelines since returning as manager come on Saturday against 17th-placed AVS, then against highly sought Champions League rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on September 30.
