José Mourinho sacked by Fenerbahçe after Champions League elimination

José Mourinho is back on the market. The Portuguese coach was officially dismissed by Fenerbahçe this week after a 1-0 defeat to Benfica, which sealed the Turkish side’s elimination from the Champions League qualifiers.

End of Mourinho’s short spell in Turkey

Mourinho arrived at Fenerbahçe last season with the mission of returning the club to domestic glory. However, he failed to end Galatasaray’s dominance in the Turkish league, finishing behind their rivals.

The 2025/26 campaign began with mixed results two wins, two draws, and two defeats and the board opted for change. The loss to Benfica was the final straw, with fans and management unconvinced by the team’s performances.

Grêmio and the Brazilian dream

In Brazil, Mourinho’s name has also been circulating. Journalist Cristiano Silva reported that the Portuguese manager was considered the biggest dream of Marcelo Marques for Grêmio’s 2026 project.

That possibility, however, has cooled. This week, Marques withdrew his candidacy for the club’s presidency, leaving Mourinho’s South American adventure unlikely for now.

A decorated career in Europe

One of football’s most decorated managers, Mourinho has coached giants such as Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham, in addition to historic spells at Porto, Inter Milan, and Roma. His résumé includes Champions League triumphs, league titles in multiple countries, and countless domestic trophies.

For now, he remains without a club though speculation over his next destination has already begun.