José Mourinho Parts Ways with Fenerbahçe After Champions League Setback
Jose Mourinho, one of football’s most decorated managers, has left his role as head coach of Fenerbahce after just over a year in charge, the Turkish club confirmed. The departure comes days after Fenerbahce’s elimination from the Champions League play-offs by Benfica, a 1-0 aggregate defeat that relegated them to the Europa League for the 2025-26 season.
Mourinho, who joined Fenerbahçe in June 2024, guided the team to a second-place finish in the Turkish Super Lig, 11 points behind champions Galatasaray. Despite a 59.7% win rate, with 37 victories in 62 matches, his tenure was marked by controversy, including a legal dispute with Galatasaray over alleged “racist statements” following a 0-0 draw in February. Mourinho denied the allegations and countersued for £41,000 in damages. His outspoken criticism of Turkish referees and a red card in a Europa League match against Manchester United further fueled tensions.
The 62-year-old Portuguese manager, known for winning the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, as well as league titles in four countries, expressed a desire to return to the Premier League, specifically to a lower-table club, to avoid UEFA competitions. Fenerbahce thanked Mourinho for his efforts and wished him success in his future endeavors. Speculation is rife about his next move, with potential links to Newcastle United and Leeds United circulating in recent months.
Mourinho, who joined Fenerbahçe in June 2024, guided the team to a second-place finish in the Turkish Super Lig, 11 points behind champions Galatasaray. Despite a 59.7% win rate, with 37 victories in 62 matches, his tenure was marked by controversy, including a legal dispute with Galatasaray over alleged “racist statements” following a 0-0 draw in February. Mourinho denied the allegations and countersued for £41,000 in damages. His outspoken criticism of Turkish referees and a red card in a Europa League match against Manchester United further fueled tensions.
The 62-year-old Portuguese manager, known for winning the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, as well as league titles in four countries, expressed a desire to return to the Premier League, specifically to a lower-table club, to avoid UEFA competitions. Fenerbahce thanked Mourinho for his efforts and wished him success in his future endeavors. Speculation is rife about his next move, with potential links to Newcastle United and Leeds United circulating in recent months.
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