José Mourinho “the special one” will the the star and highlight of the day, when the Benfica coach strides onto the pitch at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
The UEFA Champions League matchday two encounter between Chelsea and Benfica carries a weight of nostalgia and history for the 62-year-old, who defined a footballing era in West London.
Mourinho’s enduring ability to resurface at major clubs just when his career seemed to have reached its twilight makes it impossible to predict his next act.
However, his surprise return to Benfica earlier this month, is believed to be a move into international management with Portugal after the 2026 FIFA World Cup — has set the stage for what feels like a curtain call before his most loyal supporters.
Why José Mourinho is Called ‘The Special One’
Mourinho first captured Europe’s attention at FC Porto, winning six major trophies, including the 2003 UEFA Cup and 2004 UEFA Champions League, before announcing himself to the English football world at Chelsea with an unforgettable declaration:
“Please don’t call me arrogant but I’m European champion and I think I’m a special one,” Mourinho said at his first Chelsea press conference in July 2004.
Between 2004–2007 and 2013–2015, Mourinho’s Chelsea sides won eight trophies, including three Premier League titles, reshaping the Premier League landscape.
His teams of Petr Čech, John Terry, Frank Lampard, and Didier Drogba dominated English football in a way few had imagined possible.
Back then, Arsène Wenger’s “Invincibles” Arsenal and Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United had shared nine of the previous league titles.
Mourinho’s Chelsea ended that duopoly with back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006, forcing Ferguson to rethink his entire approach.
The Old Trafford legend later admitted Mourinho’s arrival “changed everything about how we started seasons; he raised the bar.”
Rise, Fall, and Evolution of Mourinho
Despite his early brilliance, Mourinho’s personality and managerial trajectory shifted during his Real Madrid spell (2010–2013).
Sources close to him say that clashes with senior players and the rise of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona forced his combative nature to the forefront, overshadowing the confident, charismatic figure of 2004.
Since leaving Madrid, his success has gradually diminished with stints at;
- Manchester United,
- Tottenham Hotspur,
- AS Roma, and
- Fenerbahçe
have failed to deliver consistent glory.
His appointment by Benfica earlier this month was unexpected. The Portuguese giants turned to him after sacking Bruno Lage, following a shocking 3–2 home defeat to Qarabag in their opening Champions League league-phase match.
Benfica president, Rui Costa contacted Mourinho directly.
“Is it worth talking?” Costa asked, initiating negotiations.
Mourinho agreed to a two-year deal worth around €3 million net annually, with a clause allowing either party to terminate the contract 10 days after the final game of the season.
Twenty-five years after his first brief Benfica stint in 2000, Mourinho has returned to Lisbon as a very different man, older, wiser, and, by his own admission, “more altruistic and less egocentric.”
Benfica’s European Mission: A Tough Road Ahead
Mourinho’s Benfica faces a gruelling Champions League schedule after the Chelsea clash:
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Vs Newcastle (A) — Oct 21
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Vs Bayer Leverkusen (H) — Nov 5
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Vs Ajax (A) — Nov 25
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Vs Napoli (H) — Dec 10
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Vs Juventus (A) — Jan 21
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Vs Real Madrid (H) — Jan 28
Benfica must finish in the top eight of the league phase to qualify directly for the last 16. A finish between ninth and 24th would mean a knockout playoff for a place in the round of 16.
A Final Bow or a New Chapter?
Mourinho has won 26 major trophies, including two Champions Leagues and six domestic titles, but it has been a decade since he last lifted a league trophy and more than five years since he managed in the Champions League proper.
His hair is whiter, his approach mellower, but his competitive fire still burns Benfica walk out at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday which is more about than just three points.
