Benfica names Marco Silva as new coach after Mourinho's Real Madrid move; president targets Europa League

Mourinho's departure triggers coaching search

Rui Costa had identified José Mourinho as his preferred manager for the 2026/27 season and presented a renewal proposal in March. The coach had a contract until 2027, but a mutual break clause allowed either party to end it after the campaign for €7 million. Real Madrid's serious interest emerged late in the season, but the club's presidential elections delayed any formal approach. Mourinho ultimately opted to return to Real Madrid, ending his 13-year absence from the Santiago Bernabéu. Costa said the decision was solely Mourinho's: "Benfica will change because the coach decided to leave."

Mourinho knew perfectly that he was the coach I wanted for the next season.

In no circumstance were we in anyone's hands. We always controlled the situation, all scenarios were foreseen.

Marco Silva signs two-year deal with automatic extension

Marco Silva, who previously managed in England, was announced as the new head coach on a two-season contract. If Silva wins the Primeira Liga, the deal extends automatically for a third year. His release clause is set at €15 million, the same figure Real Madrid will pay for Mourinho. Costa described Silva as the "ideal coach" for Benfica, praising his experience and identification with the club.

Marco Silva is the ideal coach at this moment for Benfica. His experience in England gives us this hope.

Silva will be officially presented on June 12 at the Benfica Museum. Costa noted that the new coach is demanding and has already reviewed a detailed report on the previous season, including the squad's gaps.

Financial resilience without Champions League revenue

Benfica finished third in 2025/26, behind champions Porto and Sporting, missing out on a Champions League place. Costa described the season as "frustrating" and "very negative," apologising to fans. However, he stressed that the club's finances can withstand a year without Champions League income and that they will still invest in the squad.

The financial part allows us to go a year without Champions without major shocks. We are ready and prepared to overcome this.

The club plans to keep the core of the current squad and make targeted reinforcements, especially to fill the gap left by central defender Nicolás Otamendi. Costa said the structure is already working on the pre-season and will provide the new coach with whatever he needs.

Europa League ambitions

Benfica must navigate three qualifying rounds to reach the Europa League group stage. Costa believes the team must be one of the candidates to win the competition and fight for all domestic honours. "I'm not saying Benfica will win, but it has to be one of the candidates," he said.