A titan of the modern game, José Mourinho's managerial career is a story of unparalleled success, dramatic highs, and controversial lows.
From his beginnings as an interpreter to becoming one of the most decorated managers in football history, the Portuguese coach has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Early Success in Portugal
Mourinho's managerial journey began with brief stints at Benfica and Uniao de Leiria before he took the helm at Porto in 2002.
This is where his legend truly began. He immediately transformed the club, leading them to a remarkable treble in his first full season, winning the Primeira Liga, the Taca de Portugal, and the UEFA Cup in 2003.
The following season, he achieved the impossible, guiding Porto to a shock UEFA Champions League triumph in 2004.
This incredible feat, accomplished with a team of relatively unknown players, catapulted him onto the world stage and earned him the nickname "The Special One."
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Conquering Europe's Biggest Leagues
Mourinho's success in Portugal paved the way for a move to England.
He burst onto the British scene in 2004, famously declaring himself "The Special One" upon his appointment at Chelsea.
He immediately lived up to the moniker, ending Chelsea's 50-year wait for a top-flight title by winning the Premier League in his debut season.
His first stint at Chelsea saw him win two league titles, two League Cups, and an FA Cup.
His spell at Inter Milan from 2008 to 2010 was perhaps his most spectacular.
He guided the club to a historic treble in 2010, winning Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League in a single season.
The victory cemented his legacy as one of the few managers to win the Champions League with two different clubs.
At Real Madrid, he broke Barcelona's dominance to win the La Liga title in 2012, setting a record with 100 points.
His second stint at Chelsea saw another Premier League title and League Cup, but ended in a surprising dismissal after a poor run of form.
A Continuing Journey and Recent Challenges
After leaving Chelsea for the second time, Mourinho's career saw him take charge of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
At United, he secured the EFL Cup and the UEFA Europa League in his first season.
Despite this success, his time at the club was marked by a strained relationship with the board, players, and media, leading to his eventual sacking in 2018.
His spell at Tottenham followed a similar pattern of initial promise followed by a difficult period and an unceremonious exit.
Following his time in England, Mourinho took on new challenges, winning the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League with AS Roma in 2022.
This made him the first manager to win all three current UEFA club competitions.
His most recent role was at Turkish club Fenerbahçe, which ended in his dismissal last month after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
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It now appears his next move will be a return to his roots.
Following the sacking of their previous manager, Mourinho is in advanced talks to return to Benfica, the club where his storied managerial career began.
This would mark a full-circle moment for the legendary manager, who would return to Portugal to lead a new project.
His trophy cabinet remains one of the most impressive in football history, and his next chapter is set to begin where it all started.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Benfica are in advanced talks with José Mourinho after Bruno Lage got sacked overnight! ❤️🤍
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 17, 2025
Understand Mourinho has opened doors to Benfica move as he wants to return to coaching immediately.
The agreement could be sealed soon. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/RL8eZmn5BY
A Breakdown of José Mourinho's Managerial Career
Here is a chronological list of his appointments as a first-team manager, including his major honours at each club:
Benfica (September 2000 – December 2000)
No major honours.
União de Leiria (July 2001 – January 2002)
No major honours.
Porto (January 2002 – May 2004)
Honours: Primeira Liga (2), Taça de Portugal, Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira, UEFA Cup, UEFA Champions League.
Chelsea (June 2004 – September 2007)
Honours: Premier League (2), FA Cup, League Cup (2), Community Shield.
Inter Milan (June 2008 – May 2010)
Honours: Serie A (2), Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid (May 2010 – June 2013)
Honours: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España.
Chelsea (June 2013 – December 2015)
Honours: Premier League, League Cup.
Manchester United (May 2016 – December 2018)
Honours: EFL Cup, UEFA Europa League, Community Shield.
Tottenham Hotspur (November 2019 – April 2021)
No major honours.
AS Roma (July 2021 – January 2024)
Honours: UEFA Europa Conference League.
Fenerbahçe (July 2024 - August 2025)
No major honours.
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