The Portuguese club Benfica announced in an official statement today, Thursday, the appointment of Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho as the head coach of the first football team, replacing coach Bruno Lage, who was recently sacked.

The statement confirmed that both parties reached an agreement to sign a sports employment contract that extends until the end of the 2026/27 sports season.

The club also clarified that the contract includes a clause allowing both parties – Mourinho or Benfica's management – not to continue into the 2026/27 season, within 10 days following the last official match of the team in the 2025/26 season, without any changes to the agreed-upon terms.

The Portuguese coach had been dismissed from coaching Fenerbahce a few weeks ago after failing to qualify for the Champions League against Benfica.

Mourinho returns to Benfica after 25 years since leaving the Portuguese club.