Marco Silva succeeds Jose Mourinho as Benfica head coach
On June 9, 2026, Benfica officially appointed Marco Silva as head coach on a two-year contract with an option for a third year, replacing Jose Mourinho, who left to return to Real Madrid pending Florentino Perez’s re-election. Real Madrid will pay up to €15 million to trigger Mourinho’s break clause. Silva departed Fulham after five years, having won the Championship and secured two 11th-place Premier League finishes. The coaching change marks a significant investment for Benfica.
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Marco Silva begins fieldwork at Benfica with little time before Europa League qualifiers
Marco Silva has officially started his tenure as Benfica's new head coach, with the team beginning fieldwork on Friday. Benfica's pre-season is urgent as the club has less than one month to prepare for the upcoming Europa League qualification matches. The article, published by Record Portugal on June 25, 2026, highlights the time pressure on Silva to integrate his methods and ready the squad for competitive fixtures. The report also references surrounding coverage of Benfica's futsal playoff final against Sporting, José Mourinho's comments about his coaching career, and Benfica's upcoming general assembly for members to review the past season and vote on the 2026/27 budget. The core focus remains on Silva's immediate challenge of preparing the team for European competition under a tight schedule.
RecordMarco Silva Arrives Early at Seixal for Start of Benfica Training
Marco Silva, the newly appointed head coach of Portuguese football club Benfica, was the first member of the first team to arrive at the Benfica Campus in Seixal on the morning of Thursday, June 25, 2026. He arrived around 7 am, marking the beginning of the club's preparations for the 2026/27 season. The report from Record Portugal highlights the start of the 'Marco Silva era' at the club, with the squad returning to training. The article includes a photo of Silva's arrival and provides a link for live coverage of the team's return to work.
RecordComparison with Real Madrid is a big wink to Benfica fans
Vítor Almeida Gonçalves, executive editor of Record, analyzes statements made by Marco Silva during his presentation as Benfica's new head coach at the Cosme Damião Museum on June 12, 2026. The analysis focuses on Silva's comparison of Benfica to Real Madrid, which Gonçalves interprets as a deliberate signal to Benfica fans, suggesting ambition and a desire to align the club's stature with one of Europe's most successful teams. The article highlights the strategic messaging in Silva's remarks as he takes over the coaching role.
RecordMarco Silva: I Had Opportunities to Return to Portuguese Football, Not Only to Benfica
Marco Silva, during his official presentation as the new head coach of Benfica, revealed that he had previously received multiple offers to return to Portuguese football, not exclusively from Benfica. He emphasized that financial considerations were not the primary motivation for his decision to join the club, stating otherwise he would not have accepted the role. Silva also confirmed that Benfica's sporting director Rui Costa identified him as the first choice for the coaching position. Additionally, he outlined his approach to the transfer market, noting that he has clear principles and defined profiles for potential player acquisitions. The press conference covered his return to Portuguese football after a successful stint abroad, including managing clubs like Everton and Fulham.
RecordMarco Silva Presented as Benfica Coach, Succeeding Jose Mourinho
Marco Silva is being presented as the new head coach of Benfica on June 12, 2026, succeeding Jose Mourinho who is leaving for Real Madrid. The 48-year-old Portuguese coach signed a two-season contract with an option for an additional year. This marks his return to Portugal after 11 years abroad, having previously coached Olympiacos and several English clubs including Fulham, Everton, Watford, and Hull City. Silva previously coached Sporting in the 2014/15 season, winning the Portuguese Cup. His most recent stint was at Fulham, where he managed 229 matches over five seasons, recording 100 wins, 48 draws, and 81 losses. The presentation event is being held at 5 PM local time.
RecordBenfica President Rui Costa Confirms 15 Million Euro Payment for Mourinho's Transfer to Real Madrid is Guaranteed
Benfica president Rui Costa held a press conference at Estádio da Luz on June 11, 2026, following the official confirmation of José Mourinho's move to Real Madrid. Costa stated that the 15 million euro release clause payment from Real Madrid has not yet arrived but is guaranteed and expected imminently. He explained the process took longer than expected due to Real Madrid's elections, but Benfica always controlled the situation. Costa revealed that Mourinho rejected a renewal proposal made a month ago, and that a 'gentlemen's agreement' meant Mourinho would not have stayed at Benfica even if Florentino Pérez lost the Real Madrid election. Costa also addressed an AI-generated image of Mourinho in a Real Madrid shirt that initially made him uncomfortable, and announced Marco Silva as Benfica's new coach, expressing full confidence in his ability to bring titles.
FútbolBenfica President Rui Costa: Mourinho Would Leave if Florentino Loses Real Madrid Election
Benfica President Rui Costa held a press conference addressing the departure of coach Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid. Costa revealed that a gentleman's agreement was reached with Mourinho, stating that if Florentino Perez lost the Real Madrid presidential election, Mourinho would also leave Benfica. Costa emphasized mutual respect and that the decision was unexpected but respected. He confirmed that Marco Silva has been appointed as the new coach, with a contract including a +1 year extension clause if Benfica wins the Primeira Liga title. Costa discussed squad planning challenges due to failing to qualify for the Champions League, noting the need to strengthen the center-back position following Otamendi's departure. He also addressed player renewals for Schjelderup and Antonio Silva, and confirmed the new captaincy structure with Antonio Silva, Fredrik Aursnes, and Tomas Araujo.
虎扑 - 足球Benfica President Rui Costa Confirms Mourinho's Departure to Real Madrid, 15 Million Euro Clause Triggered
Benfica President Rui Costa held a press conference on June 12th to address the departure of manager Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid. Costa explained the club's cautious approach, waiting for Real Madrid's presidential election results before speaking publicly. He confirmed that Real Madrid is ready to pay the full 15 million euro release clause at any time, and that the money is guaranteed. Costa revealed that Mourinho had indicated he would accept an invitation from Florentino Perez if he won the election. The club has appointed Marco Silva as the new head coach, with Costa expressing confidence in his ability to lead Benfica to the championship. Costa also clarified the contract clause details: a 7 million euro penalty applies between Benfica and Mourinho for termination, while any external club must pay 15 million euros to acquire Mourinho's services.
虎扑 - 足球João Tralhão Feels Privileged for Nearly Two Decades at Benfica, Moves to Real Madrid as Mourinho's Assistant
João Tralhão, longtime assistant coach at Benfica, has expressed feeling privileged for nearly 20 years at the club as he prepares to leave for Real Madrid. Tralhão will continue as José Mourinho's assistant at the Spanish club. In a social media post on Instagram, Tralhão thanked everyone at Benfica and wished the club success. The move follows Mourinho's own departure from Benfica, with Mourinho also expressing gratitude. The article, published by Record Portugal on June 10, 2026, highlights the coaching transition and Tralhão's emotional farewell.
RecordBenfica President Rui Costa to Hold Press Conference on Season Review and Club Status
Benfica president Rui Costa will hold a press conference on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 6 PM at Estádio da Luz to review the 2025/26 season and clarify the club's current affairs. The top leader aims to address the departure of former coach José Mourinho and speak for the first time about his replacement, Marco Silva, who will be officially presented the following day. The press conference comes amid a period of transition for the Portuguese football club, with Record Portugal reporting that Marco Silva is already working at the Seixal training ground. The article also references related stories including Mourinho's farewell statement and the official announcement of Marco Silva as the new Benfica coach.
RecordMarco Silva Begins Work at Benfica's Seixal Campus
Benfica officially announced the signing of Marco Silva as their new head coach on Tuesday, and the 48-year-old Portuguese manager has already begun work at the club's Seixal training campus. Silva signed a two-season contract with an option for a third year. This marks his return to Portuguese football after 11 years abroad, during which he coached Olympiacos in Greece and several clubs in English football. Silva previously managed Sporting in the 2014/15 season, leading them to win the Portuguese Cup. He succeeds Jose Mourinho at Benfica.
RecordMarco Silva's Benfica Appointment Overshadows Mourinho's Real Madrid Move in Portuguese Press
On June 10, 2026, the Portuguese sports press prominently featured the official announcement of Marco Silva as Benfica's new head coach, relegating the news of José Mourinho's departure to Real Madrid to secondary coverage. Benfica confirmed Silva's signing with a two-season contract and an option for a third year. The announcement came shortly after the Lisbon club disclosed that Real Madrid would pay the €15 million termination clause for Mourinho, who previously coached Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013. Newspapers O Jogo, A Bola, and Record all highlighted Silva's arrival, with Record noting 'Marco enters, Mourinho leaves' while giving cover prominence to Sporting. The story underscores the shifting dynamics in Portuguese football management.
FútbolJosé Mourinho's Farewell Message to Benfica
José Mourinho has left Benfica to become the new head coach of Real Madrid, with the Spanish club paying his €15 million release clause. Mourinho published a farewell message on Instagram thanking Benfica president Rui Costa, the club's professionals, and the players he worked with. He stated he leaves with an unwavering bond to the club, saying 'my player one day, my player forever.' Real Madrid has not yet officially confirmed the appointment, but Benfica's press release and Mourinho's message indicate the move is complete. The article also notes that Benfica announced Marco Silva as Mourinho's replacement.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertMourinho says goodbye to Benfica: Representing this club was an honor and a privilege
José Mourinho has bid farewell to Benfica following the club's announcement of his departure. In a social media message, the Portuguese coach expressed gratitude to president Rui Costa for the opportunity to work at the club, calling it an honor and a privilege. He also extended recognition to all professionals at Benfica Campus for their professionalism and dedication, and thanked the players he worked with, stating 'my player one day, my player forever.' Mourinho is set to return to Real Madrid, with Benfica having informed the CMVM of his departure for a reported 15 million euros. The article also notes that Marco Silva has been named as Benfica's new coach.
RecordMarco Silva Agrees to Replace Jose Mourinho as Benfica Head Coach
Marco Silva has agreed to become Benfica's new head coach, replacing Jose Mourinho who is departing for Real Madrid. Silva, 48, ended his five-year tenure at Fulham a week ago when his contract expired. Benfica announced they reached an agreement with Silva, who is set to sign a contract until the end of the 2027-28 season with an option to extend to 2028-29. Silva previously managed Hull City, Watford, and Everton in England. Meanwhile, Benfica confirmed Mourinho's exit, with Real Madrid paying £13m (15m euros) in compensation to bring the 63-year-old back to the Bernabeu. Mourinho took charge of Benfica in September and led them to third place in the Primeira Liga this season, going unbeaten in the league campaign. In his previous stint at Real Madrid (2010-2013), Mourinho won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
BBC SportMarco Silva agrees to replace Jose Mourinho as Benfica head coach
Marco Silva has agreed to become Benfica's new head coach, replacing Jose Mourinho who is departing for Real Madrid. Silva, 48, ended his five-year stint as Fulham boss a week ago when his contract expired. Benfica announced they reached an agreement with Silva, who is set to sign a contract until the end of the 2027-28 season, with an option to extend to 2028-29. Silva previously managed Hull City, Watford, and Everton in England. Mourinho's exit was formalized, with Real Madrid paying Benfica £13 million (15 million euros) in compensation. Mourinho took charge of Benfica in September and led them to an unbeaten third-place finish in the Primeira Liga. This marks Mourinho's second spell at Benfica and his return to Real Madrid, where he previously won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup between 2010 and 2013.
BBC SportBenfica Announces Marco Silva as Mourinho's Successor Minutes After Confirming Departure
On June 9, 2026, Benfica announced that Real Madrid had paid the €15 million termination clause for José Mourinho's contract, confirming his departure. Minutes later, Benfica revealed Marco Silva as his successor. Silva, 49, signed a two-season contract extendable to 2028/2029. He previously managed Fulham (since 2021), Sporting de Portugal, Olympiacos, Hull, Watford, and Everton. The announcement was delayed until after Florentino Pérez's re-election as Real Madrid president. The Portuguese press had anticipated Silva's arrival three weeks prior.
FútbolBenfica Announces Agreement with Marco Silva to Succeed José Mourinho
Benfica has quickly moved to fill the managerial vacancy left by José Mourinho, who is departing for Real Madrid. The Lisbon club announced an agreement with Portuguese manager Marco Silva, who is free after leaving Fulham following five seasons in England. Silva, 48, will sign a two-year contract with a third-year option, valid until the end of the 2027-2028 season. He notably led Fulham back to the Premier League by winning the Championship in 2022. The announcement comes days after Mourinho's departure was confirmed, marking a swift succession for the Portuguese giants.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuMarco Silva Returns to Portugal as Benfica Coach After 11 Years Abroad
Marco Silva has been appointed as the new head coach of Benfica, returning to Portugal 11 years after leaving Sporting CP under controversial circumstances. The 48-year-old Lisbon-born coach previously led Sporting in 2014/15, winning the Portuguese Cup, but was fired for just cause by then-president Bruno de Carvalho. After leaving Sporting, Silva coached Olympiacos to a Greek league title and spent five successful years at Fulham in England, where he impressed Benfica's directors. He replaces José Mourinho, who left for Real Madrid. Silva's career also includes stints at Estoril Praia (where he won the second division and led them to European qualification), Hull City, Watford, and Everton. Benfica, last champions in 2023, faces pressure under president Rui Costa, and Silva has a reduced margin for error.
RecordBenfica Announces José Mourinho's Departure to Real Madrid and Marco Silva's Arrival
On June 9, 2026, Portuguese football club Benfica announced the departure of head coach José Mourinho to Real Madrid for a fee of 15 million euros, with Mourinho's agreement confirmed. Simultaneously, Benfica announced an agreement with Portuguese manager Marco Silva to become the new head coach, signing a two-season contract extendable until the 2028/29 season. Marco Silva, aged 48, had been managing English club Fulham since 2021 and has just left that position. The announcements were made via official press releases and social media posts by Benfica, including communications to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM). The article was published by Foot Mercato, a French football transfer news outlet.
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