Can Benfica Bounce Back After Mourinho?
After finishing third in Liga Portugal and losing José Mourinho to Real Madrid, Benfica turned to Marco Silva and reshaped its squad for another attempt at returning to the top.
A new era has begun at Benfica. After a disappointing 2025/26 season and the departure of José Mourinho to Real Madrid, the Portuguese giants appointed Marco Silva with a clear objective: return to winning trophies and challenge again for the Liga Portugal title.
The previous campaign fell well below expectations. Benfica finished third in Liga Portugal under Mourinho, and president Rui Costa publicly described the season as negative after the club failed to achieve its main objectives. Then came another major change. Real Madrid moved for Mourinho, paying Benfica €15 million to secure the Portuguese coach.
Benfica reacted by appointing Marco Silva, who signed a contract through 2028 with an option for another season. The Portuguese manager returned home after five years with Fulham, where he won promotion to the Premier League and established the London club in the English top flight.
The challenge, however, goes beyond replacing Mourinho. Benfica has also made changes to a squad that needed new energy. Colombian striker Jhon Durán arrived on loan from Al-Nassr, in a deal that includes a €30 million purchase option, while Polish winger Jakub Kamiński was another addition to Silva's squad.
There has been a significant departure as well. Portuguese defender António Silva joined Bournemouth in August, leaving Benfica without one of the most experienced products of its academy.
Early results under Marco Silva have already shown both sides of the rebuilding process. Benfica produced an emphatic 6-1 victory over Hearts in Europa League qualifying, with Jhon Durán scoring on his first official appearance for the club. Gianluca Prestianni, Vangelis Pavlidis, Rafa and Tomás Araújo were also among the scorers.
The domestic opener offered a reminder that the transition will not be immediate. Benfica drew 2-2 at home against newly promoted Académico de Viseu, despite twice taking the lead through Pavlidis and Prestianni. Defensive problems, particularly when dealing with crosses and aerial situations, allowed the visitors to respond.
That contrast defines Benfica's situation. There are encouraging attacking signs under Silva, but there is still work to do before the team can be considered ready to regain control in Portugal.
Bouncing back after Mourinho will ultimately be measured in trophies. The new coach has a reshaped squad and a long season ahead. Now Benfica must prove that a change on the bench can also produce a change in results.
