Turkish giants Fenerbahçe have announced the dismissal of their head coach, José Mourinho, after the team’s failure to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League. The decision marks another dramatic twist in the career of the Portuguese tactician, widely regarded as one of the most decorated managers of his generation.
Mourinho, who only took charge of the Istanbul-based club earlier this year, was brought in to revive Fenerbahçe’s European ambitions and restore their dominance domestically. However, the team’s early exit from the Champions League qualifying rounds proved costly, with the club’s board citing unmet expectations as the main reason for parting ways with the 61-year-old coach.
This latest setback adds to a growing list of high-profile dismissals in Mourinho’s managerial career. He was previously sacked by Chelsea twice — first in 2007 after a rift with club owner Roman Abramovich, and again in 2015 following a poor run of results. His tenure at Manchester United ended in 2018, while Tottenham Hotspur dismissed him in 2021 just days before a cup final. Most recently, AS Roma relieved him of his duties in early 2024 before his move to Turkey.
Despite his turbulent exits, Mourinho’s legacy remains significant. He has managed some of Europe’s biggest clubs, winning league titles in Portugal, England, Italy, and Spain, along with two UEFA Champions League trophies. Yet, recent years have been marked by inconsistency and increasing questions over whether his pragmatic style of football can still thrive in the modern game.
For Fenerbahçe, attention now turns to appointing a successor who can steady the team ahead of the domestic season and push for success in continental competitions. For Mourinho, the future remains uncertain, though his reputation as one of football’s most charismatic and controversial figures ensures he will continue to attract global attention.
