Fenerbahçe has officially dismissed José Mourinho just two games into the 2025–26 Süper Lig season, after their failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Club officials confirmed the decision on Friday, expressing gratitude for his service since joining in June 2024 and extending best wishes for his future.
The decision comes in the wake of a 1–0 aggregate defeat to Benfica in the Champions League qualifiers—ensuring Fenerbahçe’s drop into the Europa League instead. Despite leading the team to a runner-up finish in the domestic league last season, falling 11 points behind Galatasaray in the title race strained faith in Mourinho’s leadership.
During his 62 match tenure, Mourinho recorded 37 wins, 14 draws, and 11 losses, yielding a win rate of approximately 59.7%—his most successful since his time at Real Madrid. Yet, a trophy remained elusive throughout his stint in Istanbul.
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His time at Fenerbahçe was marred by a string of controversies and disciplinary issues. Mourinho was suspended for derogatory remarks about officiating practices in Turkish football and received bans after confrontations, including a combative incident with Galatasaray’s manager Okan Buruk during a cup match. These episodes added friction to his position.
Reports indicate that Mourinho will receive a compensation package estimated at €9 million for terminating his contract. With this payout, his cumulative severance earnings across his managerial career are believed to exceed £100 million.
Already, speculation is mounting about his next destination. Fenerbahçe’s dismissal came just hours after Besiktas also let go of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Mourinho’s next chapter could include potential returns to the Premier League, managerial roles at Rangers, or even ventures into Saudi Arabia.