José Mourinho, one of football’s most decorated managers, has expressed a strong desire to lead the Portugal national team in the future. Currently managing Turkish club Fenerbahçe, Mourinho has openly discussed his ambition to guide his homeland on the international stage, aiming to participate in major tournaments like the European Championship and the World Cup.
“I want to manage a European Championship or a World Cup and unite a country around a team, as I have already done many times with clubs. I want to do it for football and what this sport represents. It will be incredible.”
While Mourinho has previously turned down opportunities to manage Portugal—most notably in 2023 when he declined an offer from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) to remain with AS Roma—his recent comments suggest a renewed interest in the role.
For a manager who has won Champions League titles with both FC Porto and Inter Milan, as well as league titles in England, Italy, and Spain, the lure of leading Portugal on the international stage is one of the few boxes left unchecked on his legendary résumé.
