Introduction
José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix, affectionately known as José Mourinho, is a Portuguese football icon—both as a former player and one of football’s most celebrated yet controversial managers. With an illustrious career spanning clubs like Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Roma, and more recently Fenerbahçe, Mourinho has experienced remarkable highs—and headline-making sackings. Here, we explore his playing career, managerial journey, the exact dates and circumstances of his dismissals, latest news, and key biographical facts. Jose Mourinho sacked.
Playing Career: Did He Play Football?
Yes—Mourinho had a modest playing career before fully transitioning into management:
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Born in Setúbal, Portugal on 26 January 1963.
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He played as a midfielder in lower-tier Portuguese clubs, including Rio Ave, Belenenses (scoring a memorable hat-trick in a Taça de Portugal match).
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Realizing he lacked elite-level athleticism, he shifted his focus to coaching and earned a sports science degree from Instituto Superior de Educação Física in Lisbon.
Managerial Career Overview & Latest News
Mourinho’s coaching career catapulted with Porto and spanned multiple high-profile clubs. Here’s an overview followed by his most recent development:
Career Highlights
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Porto (2002–2004): Won the UEFA Cup (2003) and Champions League (2004)—his breakthrough size.
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Chelsea (2004–2007; 2013–2015): Two spells delivering Premier League titles and multiple domestic cups.
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Inter Milan (2008–2010): Achieved a historic treble, including the Champions League.
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Real Madrid (2010–2013): Won La Liga and Copa del Rey.
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Manchester United (2016–2018): Secured the Europa League, League Cup, and Community Shield.
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Tottenham Hotspur (2019–2021): No trophies; led to his first-ever exit without silverware.
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Roma (2021–2024): Won the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Latest News: Fenerbahçe, 2024–2025
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Mourinho joined Fenerbahçe in June 2024, on a two-season deal.
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After failing to reach the Champions League group stage—eliminated by Benfica in the play-off round—he was sacked on 29 August 2025.
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His tenure included controversies like public criticism of referees and a suspension for physical confrontation during a Turkish Cup match.
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Reports highlight his hefty compensation package, part of nearly £100 million he’s amassed in severance payouts over his career.
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Speculation about his next move ranges from Rangers and Nottingham Forest to Saudi clubs and even a return to the Premier League.
Sackings & Timeline: Where and When
José Mourinho has been sacked from several clubs, often at high stakes. Below is a timeline:
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Chelsea (1st Spell): Left on 20 September 2007 (mutual consent)
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Chelsea (2nd Spell): Dismissed on 17 December 2015
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Manchester United: Sacked on 18 December 2018
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Tottenham Hotspur: Sacked on 19 April 2021
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Roma: Sacked on 16 January 2024
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Fenerbahçe: Sacked on 29 August 2025
That’s six sackings across six different tenures. Note that some sources previously counted five, often overlooking Fenerbahçe. Jose Mourinho sacked.
Biographical Snapshot (Wiki Style)
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Full Name: José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix
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Born: 26 January 1963 in Setúbal, Portugal.
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Playing Career: Youth/reserve levels at Belenenses, Rio Ave, lower-tier teams—modest, not professional.
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Education: Sports science degree from Instituto Superior de Educação Física, Lisbon.
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Managerial Path: Started as youth coach, became assistant to Bobby Robson, rose through Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real, Man United, Spurs, Roma, and Fenerbahçe.
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Nickname: The “Special One”—coined during his first Chelsea stint.
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Major Trophies: 26 major titles including multiple league championships across four countries, two Champions Leagues, Europa League, Europa Conference League.
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Unique Distinction: First manager to win all three major UEFA competitions.
FAQ
1. Did José Mourinho ever play professional football?
No—he played mainly at youth or reserve level for lower-tier Portuguese clubs. He quickly pivoted to coaching when he realized he lacked physical edge for a pro career.
2. How many times has Mourinho been sacked?
He has been sacked six times—from Chelsea (twice), Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, and most recently Fenerbahçe.
3. When did Mourinho join and leave Fenerbahçe?
He joined Fenerbahçe in June 2024 and was sacked on 29 August 2025 after falling short in Champions League qualification.
4. What’s the latest news on Mourinho?
As of late August 2025, Mourinho was dismissed by Fenerbahçe and is being linked to potential future roles at Rangers, Nottingham Forest, Saudi clubs, or even a return to England.
5. Did he have any major controversies?
Yes—especially at Fenerbahçe. He faced fines and a suspension involving physical confrontation with a rival coach, and made public comments criticizing officials and board members.
6. What are Mourinho’s managerial achievements?
He has won 26 major trophies, including Champions League titles with Porto and Inter, league triumphs in four countries, Europa League and Conference League victories, and multiple domestic cups. Jose Mourinho sacked.
Conclusion
José Mourinho remains one of football’s most iconic and polarizing figures—a tactical genius who has lifted trophies across the continent, yet also endured high-profile sackings and controversies. His playing career may have been brief, but his managerial legacy is undeniable. As of August 2025, following his Fenerbahçe exit, the football world watches closely: where will the Special One land next?
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