Portuguese · Setúbal, Portugal · Born 26 January 1963The Special One — winner of league titles in four countries and two Champions Leagues, the most decorated manager of the modern era.
José Mourinho became the first manager in football history to win all three UEFA club competitions — the Champions League, the UEFA Cup/Europa League, and the Conference League — a unique achievement that sits alongside 29 major trophies won across nine clubs and announced at the outset by his declaration, on arrival at Chelsea in 2004, that he was "a Special One." He had a modest playing career and began coaching at Benfica (2000) before União de Leiria (2001–02) and then Porto (2002–04), where he won the UEFA Cup (2003) and Champions League (2004) — making him one of very few managers to win the European Cup with a club outside the traditional elite. Chelsea (2004–2007) followed — two consecutive Premier League titles and a League Cup, returning (2013–15) for a third title. Inter Milan (2008–10) delivered a historic treble including the Champions League. Real Madrid (2010–13) won La Liga (2012). Manchester United (2016–18) won the League Cup and Europa League. He won 29 major trophies in total across nine clubs. His tactical intelligence — particularly in defensive organisation and rapid transition — redefined winning football for a generation. His declaration "I am a Special One" at his Chelsea unveiling in 2004 became one of sport's most celebrated self-introductions. He managed Roma to the inaugural UEFA Conference League in 2022, making him the first manager to win all three UEFA club competitions.
Winning the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan
Lasting Impact
One of the most successful managers in modern football history
Career Honours
- Champions League 2004 (Porto), 2010 (Inter Milan)
- UEFA Cup 2003 (Porto)
- Premier League 2005, 2006, 2015 (Chelsea)
- La Liga 2012 (Real Madrid)
- Serie A 2009, 2010 (Inter Milan)
- Europa League 2017 (Man United), 2023 (Roma – Conference League)
- Champions League 2004
- Champions League 2010
- Premier League 2005
- Premier League 2006
- Premier League 2015
- La Liga 2012
- Serie A 2009
- Serie A 2010
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rio Ave | 1980–1982 | 0 | 0 |
| Belenenses | 1982–1983 | 0 | 0 |
| Sesimbra | 1983–1985 | 35 | 1 |
| Comércio e Indústria | 1985–1987 | 27 | 8 |
| Benfica | 2000–2000 | — | — |
| União de Leiria | 2001–2002 | — | — |
| Porto | 2002–2004 | — | — |
| Chelsea | 2004–2007 | — | — |
| Inter Milan | 2008–2010 | — | — |
| Real Madrid | 2010–2013 | — | — |
| Chelsea | 2013–2015 | — | — |
| Manchester United | 2016–2018 | — | — |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 2019–2021 | — | — |
| Roma | 2021–2024 | — | — |
| Fenerbahçe | 2024–2025 | — | — |
| Benfica | 2025–2026 | — | — |
| Real Madrid | 2026–Present | — | — |
Portuguese Athletes