Benfica officially announced on Thursday the appointment of José Mourinho as first-team coach. The two parties signed a two-year contract, which includes a special clause: after the end of the 2025/26 season, both parties have 10 days to choose to terminate the cooperation.

There are also reports that Mourinho's annual salary at Benfica is expected to be 4 million euros.

With his appointment to Benfica, Mourinho returns to the starting point of his managerial career after a 25-year hiatus. Mourinho briefly served as Benfica manager in 2000, resigning in anger after just 10 games. He subsequently moved on to Leiria, Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, AS Roma, and Fenerbahçe, winning a total of 26 trophies, including the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Europa League, Portuguese Primeira Liga, English Premier League, Serie A, and La Liga.

After completing the signing, Mourinho said at a press conference: "I have mixed feelings in my heart, but fortunately my experience helps me to control them. I sincerely thank Rui Costa for his trust, I regard this as an honor."

"Benfica's history, culture and influence are known to almost every household in Portugal. However, I must make one thing clear: I need to put aside all strong emotions and look at Benfica and my responsibilities in the purest way. As the head coach of one of the world's top clubs, I will devote myself to my coaching job. I would not call it difficult, but rather a pleasure - focusing on something that truly fascinates me from a coaching perspective."

“I’m returning to Benfica after 25 years, but I’m not here to celebrate my personal coaching career. During these 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of coaching many world-class clubs. No club has given me such an honor, such a great responsibility, and such a great motivation as Benfica.”

"Words are fleeting, actions are what count. My commitment is clear: I will live for Benfica and my mission. It is indeed a great honour," he concluded.