Replacing Mourinho, Ruben Amorim could take charge of the 'giant' in Europe

Coach Ruben Amorim is regarded as a potential candidate to take over the team presently under Jose Mourinho's leadership.

According to sources from ESPN, Ruben Amorim, who recently parted ways with Man Utdhas been included by Benfica on their shortlist for the head coach position if Jose Mourinho leaves. The Lisbon club’s management views Amorim as a suitable backup option to ensure technical stability should the separation occur.

In the past, Amorim had a memorable spell as the head coach of Sporting Lisbon. Born in 1985, he led Sporting to win the Portuguese Primeira Liga title in the 2020/21 season, ending a nearly two-decade trophy drought. Under Amorim’s guidance, Sporting developed a disciplined, modern, high-energy playing style that maximized youthful potential. The capital club not only competed fiercely with Benfica and Porto but also made a mark in European competitions, elevating both Sporting’s status and Ruben Amorim’s reputation.

Benfica is considering this option because Jose Mourinho is being seriously considered by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) for the role of head coach of the national team after the World Cup this summer. The 63-year-old strategist has publicly expressed his desire to one day lead the "European Selecao," and the opportunity to fulfill that dream is approaching rapidly.

According to ESPN reports, the current coach Roberto Martinez’s contract with the Portuguese national team expires on July 31, 2026. After the World Cup concludes and Martinez’s deal ends, the FPF plans to officially offer Mourinho the position to take over the team.

At the club level, Mourinho started the season with Fenerbahce before leaving the yellow-blue team to become Benfica’s head coach. The Portuguese manager signed a contract with the Lisbon club until the end of the season, including an extension clause. This means that his departure from Benfica to accept the national team role is entirely possible, forcing the club to prepare alternative plans.

With Ruben Amorim on their radar, Benfica demonstrates readiness for any scenario, as Mourinho’s future is closely tied to Portugal’s long-term football plans after the World Cup.