The Special One — winner of league titles in four countries and two Champions Leagues, the most decorated manager of the modern era.
José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix was born in Setúbal, Portugal in 1963. 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.
Champions League 2004 (Porto), 2010 (Inter Milan)
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)