Fenerbahce have confirmed the departure of head coach Jose Mourinho, just days after the club failed to secure a place in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
The Turkish side lost 1-0 to Benfica in Wednesday’s play-off second leg, a result that sent them into the Europa League. Mourinho’s exit comes barely a year after he took charge of the Istanbul club.
“We have parted ways with Jose Mourinho, who has been the manager of our Professional Football A Team since the 2024–2025 season,” Fenerbahce said in a statement on Friday. “We thank him for his efforts and wish him success in his future career.”
Mourinho was appointed in June 2024, replacing Ismail Kartal, and was warmly welcomed by supporters. At his unveiling, the Portuguese coach said he felt “loved before the victories” and pledged his commitment to the club.
His tenure brought mixed fortunes. Fenerbahce finished second in the Turkish Super Lig behind rivals Galatasaray and were knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers by Lille last season. They also reached the Europa League round of 16, where they were eliminated on penalties by Rangers.
Mourinho’s departure follows another major managerial change in Istanbul, after Besiktas sacked former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Thursday.
