Tag: Benfica

Chelsea Reject ‘Judas’ Mourinho Homecoming

Jose Mourinho (Benfica)
September 2025

Jose Mourinho reportedly hoped to attend Chelsea games this season before joining Benfica, but the Blues will not offer tributes when his new side face them in the Champions League. Mourinho remains divisive, despite delivering three league titles to the club. Chelsea fans once labelled him “Judas” during his Manchester United stint, to which Mourinho replied by flaunting his title wins. With no red-carpet return expected, Stamford Bridge prepares for another tense reunion with their ex-manager.

Mourinho Eyes Benzema Reunion at Benfica

Jose Mourinho (Benfica)
September 2025

Benfica may pursue Karim Benzema as Jose Mourinho seeks to reunite with his former Real Madrid striker. The 37-year-old could leave Al-Ittihad before his contract expires next summer if Benfica pay a small transfer fee. Al-Ittihad are reportedly open to letting Benzema go for €7m, but a move would require him to accept a massive wage cut from his current £83m-per-year salary. Benzema has praised Mourinho before, raising hopes of a sensational reunion.

Alonso Praises Impressive Madrid Newcomer Alvaro Carreras

Alvaro Carreras (Real Madrid)
September 2025

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso hailed summer signing Alvaro Carreras as a “very complete” left-back after his excellent start since joining from Benfica. The 22-year-old has started all six matches this season without being substituted, impressing both defensively and in attack. Signed for €50m, Carreras’ composure and overlapping runs have boosted Madrid’s backline. Alonso praised his personality, tactical awareness, and technical quality, noting his impact exceeded expectations despite competition from Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy for the starting spot.

Amorim Pays Tribute to Mourinho, Reaffirms United Loyalty

Ruben Amorim (Manchester United)
September 2025

Ruben Amorim praised Jose Mourinho after his appointment as Benfica boss, calling him “the best Portuguese manager.” Amorim credited Mourinho for opening doors for Portuguese coaches but underlined Manchester United remains his only club amid speculation. Despite United’s mixed start, Amorim eased pressure with a 2-1 win over Chelsea, thanks to Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro. He admitted Mourinho remains an inspiration but insisted his own focus is firmly on United’s project, brushing aside any talk of distraction or divided loyalty.

Mourinho Admits Portugal Job Was Expected Before Benfica Return

José Mourinho (Benfica)
September 2025

José Mourinho revealed he had always envisioned returning to Portugal to manage the national team rather than Benfica, but embraced the chance to take over his former club, leading them to victory in his league comeback. The 62-year-old, who started his career at Benfica in 2000, said the role felt a “natural consequence” of his career. Despite past friction with the club, Mourinho welcomed the chance to manage another “giant” and restart on familiar ground.

Mourinho Returns as Benfica Boss Ahead of English Reunions

Jose Mourinho
September 2025

Jose Mourinho is set to be appointed Benfica head coach on a two-year deal, returning to where his managerial journey began. His new adventure kicks off with high-profile Champions League trips to Chelsea and Newcastle, sparking early reunions with old Premier League stomping grounds. The 62-year-old replaces Bruno Lage and immediately faces familiar faces. Stamford Bridge and St James’ Park will reignite memories of his Chelsea and Manchester United reigns, while later clashes with Real Madrid add more intrigue. Benfica gain both a sporting challenge and a globally magnetic storyline.

Benfica candidate eyes Amorim “one day,” denies meeting

João Noronha Lopes
September 2025

Benfica presidential frontrunner João Noronha Lopes said he didn’t meet Man United coach Rúben Amorim in Manchester, but declared Amorim would coach Benfica “one day.” He attended the derby with aides while preparing plans for the club’s future. It’s a political nod without tapping up, respect current contracts while signaling ambition. If Lopes wins, expect strategic courting later, contingent on Amorim’s United trajectory. For now, Benfica stays publicly proper; privately, succession lists are curated.

Real Madrid Sign Alvaro Carreras from Benfica for £43m

Alvaro Carreras (Benfica > Real Madrid)
July 2025

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of 21-year-old left-back Alvaro Carreras from Benfica for a reported £43m. He has signed a six-year contract and returns to Madrid after a stint at Manchester United.
United held a £15m buy-back clause valid until 2026 but opted not to activate it. Carreras joins Xabi Alonso’s squad after Madrid strengthened further with arrivals like Alexander-Arnold and Franco Mastantuono.

Boca Duo Hit with Four-Match Ban; Benfica’s Belotti Suspended Two Games

Ander Herrera, Nicolás Figal (Boca Juniors), Andrea Belotti (Benfica)
June 2025

Boca Juniors players Ander Herrera and Nicolás Figal have received four-match bans, while Benfica’s Andrea Belotti was suspended for two games following red cards in their Club World Cup group stage clash on Monday.
FIFA cited breaches of Article 14 involving unsporting behavior, particularly toward a match official. Herrera’s aggressive touchline conduct, Figal’s late tackle, and Belotti’s foul on Costa led to their dismissals. Boca must reach the semifinals for Herrera or Figal to return.

Madrid-Benfica Standoff Over Carreras Fee

Álvaro Carreras (Benfica)
June 2025

Real Madrid are unwilling to pay the full €50m release clause for Álvaro Carreras, whom they want before the Club World Cup.
Benfica remain firm on the price but are open to negotiating the payment terms. Madrid recently paid €50m for Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.

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