Fenerbahçe have fired Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho after the club failed to reach the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Fenerbahçe confirms Jose Mourinho sacking
The decision came just two days after the team’s 1-0 defeat to Benfica Lisbon in the playoff round, ending their European campaign before it began.
According to the club’s official statement, Fenerbahçe thanked Mourinho for his service and wished him success in future roles.
“We thank him for his efforts for our team until today and wish him success in his future career,” the club statement read.
The coach had joined the Turkish giants in the summer of 2024, guiding them to second place in the domestic Süper Lig, but the Champions League failure overshadowed that progress.
Mourinho’s controversial club exits
Mourinho’s career has been marked by high-profile departures.
Early exit at Chelsea in 2007
His first major dismissal came at Chelsea in September 2007. Despite leading the club to six trophies in three years, including back-to-back Premier League titles, Mourinho left “by mutual consent” after disagreements with owner Roman Abramovich.
Reports made claims about tension over transfers and the team’s poor start to the season .
Real Madrid departure in 2013
Mourinho then moved to Real Madrid, where he won La Liga in 2012.
However, his spell ended in May 2013 after a turbulent season marked by clashes with senior players and strained relations with fans and the Spanish press.
Media outlets at the time described the environment as “toxic,” leading to his exit before completing his contract .
Manchester United sacking in 2018
In December 2018, Mourinho was sacked by Manchester United.
The team had started the season poorly, winning only seven of their first 17 league games.
With United sitting 19 points behind leaders Liverpool, the club announced his dismissal. Mourinho left after delivering the Europa League and League Cup but without winning the Premier League title .
Tottenham dismissal before cup final in 2021
Mourinho’s next major exit came at Tottenham Hotspur.
After 17 months in charge, he was sacked in April 2021, just six days before the team was due to play in the League Cup final against Manchester City.
This marked the first time since 2002 that Mourinho left a club without securing any trophies .
A pattern of high-pressure endings
Across his managerial career, Mourinho has been known for achieving success quickly but often parting ways amid controversy. His exits from Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Tottenham all followed disagreements with management, poor results, or dressing-room unrest.
With Fenerbahçe now joining that list, the Istanbul club faces the immediate challenge of finding a replacement capable of steadying the team’s project and reviving hopes for European success.