Key Highlights
- Mourinho likely to leave Benfica after 2026 World Cup.
- Ruben Amorim seen as his potential successor at Benfica in summer 2026.
- Mourinho could follow career path of club or national team coaching.
- If Mourinho takes the job, he would re-join Ronaldo on Portugal’s national team.
The Mourinho Move: A Coaching Career Shift?
Mourinho, a name synonymous with success in football management, has been linked to a potential move from Benfica. This summer, after the 2026 World Cup, Mourinho is reportedly set to leave his current position at the Portuguese powerhouse club.
A Possible Return to National Team Coaching
The scenario that has garnered significant attention is Mourinho’s return as Portugal’s national team coach. This would mark a monumental shift in his career trajectory from exclusively managing clubs to also leading a national team. The last time this happened was back in 2016, when he briefly coached the national side after Fernando Santos stepped down.
Amorim’s Next Move: A Promising Successor
If Mourinho does indeed leave Benfica for the national stage, the club will need to find a new manager. Ruben Amorim is currently in contention as his likely successor. Amorim has already demonstrated his managerial prowess by leading Sporting CP to two league titles and earning strong support from Benfica’s leadership.
The Reunion: Mourinho and Ronaldo
A key aspect of this potential move would be the re-union between Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo, who worked together at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013. Under Mourinho’s tutelage, Ronaldo achieved unprecedented success in Spain, breaking records and contributing significantly to the team’s triumphs.
While not always a smooth partnership, the re-union would certainly reignite discussions about how well these two can work together again. The last time they were on the same side was during their successful tenure at Real Madrid, where Mourinho’s tactical acumen helped Ronaldo shine in ways that had never been seen before.
For now, speculation remains high, with both Amorim and Mourinho’s future at Benfica and Portugal’s national team uncertain.
But one thing is clear: the landscape of football management will look quite different if this move comes to fruition.
You might think this is new, but… it’s actually a continuation of an old story in modern football. The path less traveled by managers often leads to unexpected destinations and exciting challenges.
