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Jose Mourinho has shared a heartfelt farewell message with Benfica supporters, players, and staff as he prepares for a sensational return to Real Madrid. The celebrated Portuguese coach spent just one productive season back at Estadio da Luz, but the opportunity to return to the Santiago Bernabeu proved too tempting to resist.

Farewell to the Eagles

Just hours after his departure was officially confirmed, Mourinho expressed his deep appreciation to Benfica through an emotional message on social media. The 63-year-old reflected on his short yet influential second spell in Lisbon, during which he guided the team to an unbeaten domestic league run and a third-place finish in the Primeira Liga, along with a triumph in the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira.

The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager extended his gratitude to the club’s hierarchy and staff, saying, “I would like to thank president Rui Costa for the opportunity he gave me to work for Sport Lisboa e Benfica. Representing this club has been an honour and a privilege. I would also like to extend my gratitude to all the staff at Benfica Campus, whose professionalism, dedication and competence have been exemplary.”

Strong ties with the Benfica squad

Mourinho also took a moment to address the players he worked with during the 2025-26 season. Despite his impending move back to Madrid, he emphasised that the relationships formed during his time in Portugal would remain unbroken. He added, “To the players with whom I have had the pleasure of working, I offer my sincere thanks and best wishes for every success in their personal and professional lives. I leave with the conviction that, more than just a moment, we have forged a lasting bond: my player for a day, my player for life.”

Return to Real Madrid and the Perez vision

Mourinho’s exit from Benfica came after Real Madrid made an aggressive push to bring back the coach who famously ended Barcelona’s dominance in Spain between 2010 and 2013. Club president Florentino Perez made Mourinho’s return a central promise of his re-election campaign, with the club finalising the deal by agreeing to pay £13 million (€15m/$17m) in compensation to Benfica. Mourinho is expected to be officially presented on Wednesday following confirmation of his departure. Fueling further speculation, his agent Jorge Mendes was spotted meeting with Real Madrid director general Jose Angel Sanchez and chief scout Juni Calafat in a central Madrid hotel on Tuesday evening as final details were settled, as reported by ESPN.

Perez aims to restore the club’s former glory at the Bernabeu and has already started supporting Mourinho with ambitious transfer plans. Real Madrid recently made a €150 million (£129m/$172m) bid for Julian Alvarez, which was turned down by Atletico Madrid. This move signals the beginning of a new Galactico era, with the club determined to end a two-year trophy drought.

Benfica’s next chapter

As Mourinho prepares for his unveiling in Madrid, Benfica have acted swiftly to appoint his successor. The Lisbon club have turned to a familiar name to lead them into the 2026-27 season, ensuring a smooth transition after the departure of such a high-profile figure.

Former Fulham and Sporting CP manager Marco Silva has been confirmed as the new head coach. Silva, who earned widespread respect for his work in the Premier League, has signed a contract that could keep him at the club until 2029. He now faces the challenge of continuing Mourinho’s unbeaten domestic run while striving to close the gap at the top of the Portuguese league.