Fenerbahce have officially sacked head coach Jose Mourinho after the club’s shock exit from the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, bringing an abrupt end to the Portuguese manager’s time in Turkey.
The decision followed Fenerbahce’s 1-0 defeat to Benfica in Lisbon, which dashed their hopes of reaching the group stages of Europe’s premier competition. The only goal came in the 35th minute, when Kerem Aktürkoğlu converted a cross from Leandro Barreiro to secure the win for the Portuguese side.
Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed Mourinho’s dismissal, reporting that the club’s board moved swiftly to part ways with the 61-year-old after what was described as a “disastrous campaign.”
Mourinho, who finished second in the Turkish Süper Lig last season behind rivals Galatasaray, expressed disappointment after the defeat but admitted his side were outplayed. “We were not much better than Benfica. They deserved the win,” he said.
The sacking marks yet another turbulent chapter in the decorated manager’s career, adding to a growing list of high-profile exits in recent years.
For Fenerbahce, the focus now shifts to the Europa League, where they will attempt to rebuild momentum under new leadership as they continue their domestic and continental campaigns.
