In September 2025, SL Benfica announced the return of José Mourinho as head coach. For many supporters the move felt like the opening of a new chapter. Mourinho’s reputation and experience is still widely recognised across Europe. Yet it is his past successes, especially for rival Porto, that gives his return extra resonance for Benfica.
Mourinho’s Portugeuse Story Resumes
Mourinho first earned his legendary status in Portugal during his tenure at FC Porto from 2002 to 2004. In the 2002–03 season he led Porto to the Primeira Liga title with a total of 86 points under the modern three-points-per-win system, a mark that remained a reference point for many years. That same season Porto also won the domestic cup and went on to win the UEFA Cup after defeating Celtic in Seville. The combination of league, cup and European silverware announced Mourinho as a master of balancing domestic demands with continental challenge.
The following season established Porto on the European stage. In 2003–04 they defended the domestic league, then beat Manchester United, Lyon and Deportivo in the knockout stages of the Champions League before defeating Monaco 3-0 in the final. That campaign remains one of the most remarkable underdog triumphs in modern European football. Players like Deco, Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira and Maniche emerged as key contributors under Mourinho. The structure he imposed allowed flair players to shine within a system built for balance and cohesion.
That history matters now more than ever for Benfica. Mourinho’s ability to mould a team capable of competing domestically and in Europe gives hope that Benfica can reclaim both identity and ambition. His past success in Portugal offers a blueprint for what could follow if alignment between strategy, squad and club ambition is achieved.
A Squad Poised Between Youth and Experience
The Benfica squad reflects a clear mixture of youth and experience. The club appear to be investing in emerging talent while retaining core players to offer balance and depth. This blend provides Mourinho with both room for development and tools for immediate results. Young players often bring energy and hunger but require structure and guidance. With Mourinho’s presence, that structure might finally be there.
At the front the presence of Vangelis Pavlidis offers solidity. Pavlidis has emerged as a reliable centre forward. This season he has featured regularly and contributed goals as Benfica look to build attacking consistency. His work rate, positional awareness and ability to finish chances give him the kind of profile that thrives under a coach who values pragmatism and effectiveness. In a side blending youth and transition, Pavlidis could anchor the attack and offer a dependable outlet when offensive patterns are still developing.
Alongside the club’s younger core, experienced figures remain important. Nicolás Otamendi continues to provide leadership at the back, offering organisational clarity and an edge that is often missing in younger defensive units. His communication and willingness to step into duels set standards in training and during matches, particularly in high-pressure moments. Otamendi’s presence allows players like António Silva to focus on their game, knowing there is a senior reference point beside them, and helps Benfica maintain composure when momentum shifts.
A Squad Growing Into Responsibility
Youth runs through this Benfica side, particularly in areas that demand decision-making rather than physical dominance. The challenge has not been a lack of talent, but how that talent is connected.
Andreas Schjelderup is one of the clearest examples. The Norwegian is most comfortable operating between the lines, where his close control and awareness allow him to receive under pressure and keep play moving. He is not a player who forces the final action. Instead, he carries the ball, draws opponents toward him, and creates space for others to exploit. This ability to slow the game down in advanced areas has become increasingly important for Benfica, especially against compact defences.
Schjelderup’s output is still developing, but his influence on attacking structure is evident. Benfica are more capable of sustaining pressure when he is involved, rather than relying on isolated moments.
Georgiy Sudakov offers contrast. He plays with greater urgency and looks to progress the ball quickly. Whether through direct passing or late runs into the box, Sudakov consistently looks to shorten the distance to goal. His movement off the ball helps Benfica attack centrally rather than being forced wide, and his willingness to receive in tight spaces gives the midfield another forward option. His performances are not yet consistent across ninety minutes, but his intent is clear.
At the back, António Silva continues to establish himself as a defensive reference point. His reading of the game stands out. He anticipates danger early, steps out to intercept rather than reacting late, and is comfortable defending space rather than just his direct opponent. On the ball, Silva prioritises security. He moves possession cleanly into midfield and avoids unnecessary risk, allowing Benfica to build attacks without exposing themselves in transition.
Silva, alongside a number of other young first teamers, have established themsleves in the Benfica first team. With Silva making over 160 appearances for the As Águias.
Dedic provides similar balance from full back. He is selective with his forward runs and disciplined in his positioning. Rather than constantly overlapping, he supports attacks when the timing is right and holds his position when structure is needed. This helps Benfica maintain their shape during longer spells of possession and limits vulnerability when attacks break down.Under Mourinho, who has often emphasised defensive organisation and quick transitions, Benfica could become a team capable of controlling games without surrendering ambition. Youth need direction and clarity; Mourinho has delivered that in previous chapters of his career. The current squad gives him the chance to shape a new identity.
Tactics and Strategy: What Might Mourinho Build
Given what is known about the squad and what Mourinho has achieved in the past, several tactical pathways stand out as likely. Benfica may adopt a compact defensive shape, rely on disciplined midfield coverage, and attempt to hit opponents on the break. Against weaker or open teams this approach could yield control and efficient finishing. Against stronger opposition Benfica might shift to a more balanced build up, using width and pace to unsettle defences and maintain structure.
The presence of a consistent forward like Pavlidis means Benfica have a reliable axis in attack. Provided midfield and wide areas support him with service and movement, the team could combine solid defence with vertical attacking transitions. That dual approach reflects the balance Mourinho achieved at Porto: structure without stifling opportunity, discipline without sacrificing creative possibilities.
For a club undergoing transition, that combination may offer the best chance for steady growth. Benfica will not need to bet everything on youthful exuberance or flamboyant talent. Instead they can build gradually, giving young players time to adapt, while aiming for stability, clean defending and effective attacking execution..
What Success Could Look Like
The strength of this project lies in the squad that already exists. With players like Silva and Ríos kept and trusted, Benfica are building continuity rather than starting over. There is enough quality, athleticism and character here for the group to grow together, and that matters more than short-term fixes.
Mourinho’s presence gives the project its edge. A managerial great who for the last couple years has bounced around trying to find the perfect ending to a stellar career. The storyline is there to be written with Mourinho and Benfica.
If the balance between discipline and freedom is right, Benfica can become a team with a clear identity and a level of consistency they have lacked. Strong domestically. Competitive in Europe. A side that knows how it wants to play and is comfortable doing so under pressure. Young players develop within a structure that helps them rather than overwhelms them.
With wins over Napoli and Ajax in the Champions League and sitting third in the league, Mourinho will demand a strong second half of the season. Can he and his squad deliver?
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