Portuguese outfit SL Benfica announce José Mourinho as new head coach

Portuguese giants SL Benfica have confirmed the appointment of José Mourinho as new head coach.

The club announced the appointment on Thursday, September 18, after reaching an agreement with the former Chelsea boss on Wednesday.

“José Mourinho is the new coach of the Sport Lisboa e Benfica professional football team,” the Portuguese Primeira outfit said in its statement.

The statement added, “In a statement sent to the Securities Market Commission (CMVM), “Sport Lisboa e Benfica – Futebol, SAD informs that it has reached an agreement with coach José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix to sign a sports employment contract to be valid until the end of the 2026/27 sports season.”

“It is further reported that, 10 days after the last official game of the 2025/26 sports season, under the same conditions, both Benfica SAD and the coach may choose not to continue the contract for the 2026/27 sports season.”

José Mourinho, widely celebrated across the globe, has strong ties with Africa, having given opportunities to some of the best African stars to shine.

At Chelsea, he worked with Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel, and Solomon Kalou, helping them to reach the peak of their careers, while winning several trophies with them.

During his time at Real Madrid, José Mourinho also worked with Togolese and African superstar Emmanuel Adebayor.