José Mourinho’s time in Turkey continues to make headlines. According to several local media outlets, Fenerbahçe spent around 36.5 million Turkish lira —approximately €750,000— to cover the Portuguese coach’s lavish stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in Istanbul, where he lived for over a year.

The coach, who joined the club in 2024 with the goal of restoring it to European prominence, stayed in “the most exclusive suite” at the establishment, overlooking the Bosphorus and offering every imaginable luxury. The figure, now revealed by the Turkish press, has sparked controversy within the club, especially following Mourinho’s abrupt departure in August 2025, when Fenerbahçe terminated his contract after being eliminated by Benfica in the Champions League qualifying rounds.

A Year of Luxury and Controversy in Istanbul

During his 15 months in Istanbul, Mourinho made headlines for his clashes with club management, outspoken comments, and now for the cost of his accommodation. The hotel bill adds to the €12–15 million compensation the Turkish club reportedly paid him following his dismissal.

True to form, the Portuguese manager has avoided commenting on the matter, though many in Turkey see this revelation as proof of the high cost of his tenure. In total, his stay is said to have cost Fenerbahçe nearly as much as the annual salary of one of its top stars.

His departure coincided with yet another sporting disappointment for the club, which failed to qualify for the Champions League group stage—fueling harsh criticism toward the board for its extravagant spending on salaries and luxury accommodations.

From Istanbul to Lisbon: Mourinho Seeks Redemption at Benfica

Just weeks after leaving Turkey, Benfica officially announced Mourinho’s appointment through 2027, marking his highly anticipated return to Portuguese football. However, results have yet to meet expectations. The Lisbon side has recorded four league wins but remains winless in the Champions League, suffering three straight defeats and managing only one draw.

In the Primeira Liga, the team sits third with 25 points, six behind leaders Porto, meaning the impact of Mourinho’s arrival has so far fallen short of expectations.

Mourinho’s story seems to follow a familiar pattern: early success, mounting tension with executives, and a life defined by luxury. In Manchester, he famously spent 895 nights at The Lowry Hotel, a stay valued at more than €600,000. Now, his time in Istanbul confirms that—both on and off the pitch—“The Special One” remains synonymous with grandeur… and extravagance.