Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has officially announced his departure and will return to Real Madrid to coach.

Benfica released a statement on Tuesday confirming their separation from manager José Mourinho. The club also confirmed that Mourinho will return to Real Madrid to coach.

According to an official announcement, Real Madrid has activated the €15 million release clause in Mourinho's contract. Mourinho has also accepted Real Madrid's call, even though his contract with Benfica originally ran until June 2027.

The 63-year-old Mourinho has managed several top clubs, including Real Madrid, where he led the team to a record of 127 wins, 28 draws, and 23 losses in three seasons, winning the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. He also led Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Manchester United, and Roma to two Champions League titles, one UEFA Cup title, two Portuguese Primeira Liga titles, one Portuguese Cup title, one Portuguese Super Cup title, three Premier League titles, one FA Cup title, four English League Cup titles, two Community Shield titles, two Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia title, one Italian Super Cup title, one Europa League title, and one Europa League title, making him one of the most accomplished Portuguese coaches.

In September 2025, Mourinho officially succeeded Bruno Lager as Benfica's manager. To date, he has managed 45 matches for Benfica, with a record of 27 wins, 10 draws, and 8 losses.

Marco Silva appointed as Benfica manager

With Mourinho's departure, Benfica has confirmed that 48-year-old Marco Silva will take over as manager. The two sides signed a two-year contract, extendable until June 30, 2029.

Silva previously managed Estoril, Sporting CP, Olympiacos, Hull City, Watford, and Everton, and is considered an outstanding representative of Portugal's young generation of coaches. Since taking over Fulham in July 2021, he has led the team to a record of 268 wins, 108 draws, and 178 losses, achieving promotion to the Premier League and avoiding relegation for four consecutive seasons.

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