José Mourinho’s Turkish Adventure Ends: The Special One’s Latest Career Setback at Fenerbahçe

End of Another Chapter

José Mourinho has been dismissed from his role as head coach of Fenerbahçe, with the Turkish club announcing their decision to part ways with the Portuguese manager following their elimination from the Champions League play-offs by Benfica. The club expressed their gratitude for his efforts in an official statement released on Friday.

The former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Roma coach had only joined the Istanbul club in June 2024. During his brief tenure, he led Fenerbahçe to a second-place finish in the Turkish Süper Lig, behind rivals Galatasaray.

Controversial Tenure

Mourinho’s time at Fenerbahçe was marked by controversy, including a notable incident on April 2, 2025, when he grabbed the nose of Galatasaray’s manager Okan Buruk after a 2-1 defeat in a quarter-final match.

Legacy and Achievement

Throughout his illustrious career spanning over two decades, Mourinho has accumulated an impressive 26 major trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles. His impact on Portuguese football was recognized when he was named Portuguese Coach of the Century by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) in 2015.

Recent Career Path

Before his move to Turkey, Mourinho’s tenure at Roma ended in January 2024, when the club parted ways with him following a string of disappointing results that left the team in ninth place, five points behind the UEFA Champions League qualification spots.

Looking Ahead

Reports suggest that Mourinho could be set for a sensational return to manage the Portuguese national team, with the Portuguese Football Federation reportedly considering paying his release clause. Throughout his career, Mourinho has been known for his ability to build strong team spirits and extract maximum performance from his players. His methods, while sometimes polarising, have consistently produced results at the highest level.