Fenerbahçe have officially parted ways with José Mourinho, just one year after appointing the Portuguese manager. The decision came following their elimination in the final qualifying round of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, after a 1-0 defeat to Benfica in Lisbon, a result that triggered growing tensions between Mourinho and the club’s hierarchy.

How Did Mourinho’s Tenure in Turkey Unfold?

Mourinho, 62, signed a two-year contract in June 2024 with the clear objective of guiding Fenerbahçe back into Europe’s top competition. His tenure ended abruptly after just 62 matches, in which he recorded 37 wins, 14 draws, and 11 defeats, averaging 2.02 points per game.

In the 2024/25 Turkish Süper Lig, Fenerbahçe finished second behind rivals Galatasaray, with Mourinho often clashing with both the club and Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk on and off the pitch.

What Factors Led to His Dismissal?

The Champions League elimination dealt both a sporting and financial blow. According to Hürriyet, Fenerbahçe lost out on nearly €19 million in participation bonuses and an additional €9 million from coefficient rankings and broadcasting rights.

Mourinho also openly criticized the club’s lack of summer reinforcements:

“If the Champions League was vital for my club, something would have been done in the transfer market. I don’t think Fenerbahçe even had a transfer list,” Mourinho said before the decisive clash against Benfica.

These remarks, combined with previous disputes with the board and several players, were described by Turkish media as “the final straw.”

What’s Next for Mourinho?

Mourinho’s contract included a €15 million compensation clause, meaning that even if he signs with another club in the coming months, he will continue to receive a payout from Fenerbahçe.

The Portuguese manager has not yet made a public statement about his dismissal. His departure mirrors other turbulent chapters in his career, which has been defined by both historic triumphs — such as his Champions League titles with Porto (2004) and Inter Milan (2010) — and recurring controversies.

A Short and Controversial Spell

Mourinho’s spell in Turkey lasted just over a year, marked more by conflict and controversy than success. From heated clashes with Galatasaray to disciplinary sanctions, he departs without fulfilling the club’s biggest objective: a return to the Champions League.

Fenerbahçe now face a difficult reset, both financially and on the sporting side, while Mourinho’s future once again becomes one of the biggest questions in the international coaching carousel.