Benfica Appoint Marco Silva As Head Coach As Mourinho Set For Madrid Return

Benfica have confirmed Marco Silva as head coach on a two-year deal, with an option for another season, while Jose Mourinho prepares to return to Real Madrid. Silva arrives after leaving Fulham, and Benfica act quickly as Mourinho’s move back to the Santiago Bernabeu is close.

The Lisbon club announced on Tuesday that Silva signed a contract valid for two campaigns at Estadio da Luz. The agreement includes an extension clause through the 2028-29 season. Benfica moved decisively once Alvaro Arbeloa’s departure from Madrid cleared the way for Mourinho’s return to Spain.

Silva ends a five-year spell with Fulham to take charge of Benfica. During that period, Silva guided Fulham to the Championship title in 2021-22. Fulham then stabilised in the Premier League under Silva, avoiding relegation concerns and finishing mid-table across four straight top-flight seasons.

Fulham’s league positions with Silva were 10th, 13th, 11th and 11th in the Premier League. The club set a new record points total in the competition under Silva, collecting 54 points during the 2024-25 campaign. Silva’s methods proved consistent, with Fulham rarely dragged into prolonged survival battles.

Silva leaves West London with several club records. His Premier League win rate of 38.2% is the highest recorded by any Fulham manager. Silva also achieved the most victories for the Cottagers in the competition with 58 wins, and managed 152 league games, matching Chris Coleman’s appearance record.

Silva has previous experience in Portuguese football’s top tier and now returns to Lisbon. In 2014-15, Silva coached Sporting, Benfica’s city rivals, winning the Taca de Portugal before moving abroad. After leaving Sporting, Silva worked with Olympiacos, Hull City, Watford and Everton, gaining varied experience across Europe.

Before exiting Benfica, Mourinho enjoyed a strong campaign in Portugal. After taking over in September, Mourinho guided Benfica through the 2025-26 Primeira Liga season without defeat. However, Benfica drew 11 of 34 league matches and finished third, behind Porto and Sporting CP despite remaining unbeaten.

Mourinho’s impending Real Madrid return follows Florentino Perez’s success in the club’s presidential election last week. Perez confirmed plans to bring Mourinho back to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Mourinho’s move becomes possible after Arbeloa’s exit, leaving Madrid’s coaching position open for a second spell.

During Mourinho’s first Madrid stint between 2010 and 2013, the team secured three major trophies. Mourinho won one LaLiga title, one Copa del Rey and one Supercopa de Espana. Across 174 matches, Madrid recorded 126 victories, 27 draws and 21 defeats, giving Mourinho a 72.4% win rate with the club.

Benfica outlined the deal with Marco Silva through a formal statement. The club’s announcement read:

Marco Silva Benfica move and Fulham’s next steps

Silva’s decision to accept the Benfica role leaves Fulham searching for a successor. Reports in England link Ipswich Town coach Kieran McKenna with the vacancy. McKenna is believed to be Fulham’s preferred candidate, though the Ipswich manager’s contract reportedly includes an £8m release clause.

Benfica’s appointment of Silva closes one chapter and opens another across two major European clubs. Silva inherits a team that recently avoided defeat in the league yet still finished third. At the same time, Mourinho heads back to Real Madrid, where past results and trophies underline the expectations awaiting the coach.