Next Benfica manager contenders if Jose Mourinho departs

Jose Mourinho has emerged as the lead candidate for a seismic return to Real Madrid as the Spanish giants search for a permanent successor to Xabi Alonso.

Benfica will be preparing a contingency plan amid reports Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has identified the 'Special One' as his number one target to take the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu next season.

The Portuguese tactician was named Benfica manager in September 2025 following his dismissal from Fenerbahce and the Eagles are yet to taste defeat in the Primeira Liga under his stewardship, winning 19 of 27 matches to sit second behind Porto.

With the lure of UEFA Champions League football and a squad capable of challenging for domestic honours, the Benfica job will be an attractive proposition for an array of coaches and we've taken a look at the contenders who could replace Mourinho if he departs the Estadio da Luz.

Ruben Amorim

Amassing over 150 appearances across seven years with the club as a player, Ruben Amorim has a strong affiliation to Benfica despite his managerial ties to Sporting CP.

There's been radio silence from the Amorim camp since his turbulent tenure at Manchester United came to an end in January. The 41-year-old has been spotted at several racquet related events, but Amorim is yet to speak to the media concerning his dismissal from the Old Trafford job.

While his spell in Manchester has bruised his managerial reputation, Amorim is still well regarded following his successful spells in charge of Braga and Sporting, the latter the scene of two Primeira Liga triumphs.

However, it's been suggested that Amorim has no intention of returning to Portugal in the immediate future amid plans to pursue opportunities elsewhere in Europe.

Marco Silva

There's great intrigue around the future of Marco Silva with his Fulham contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Silva has repeatedly insisted he and the club remain aligned with their vision for Fulham's future, but with no breakthrough on the contract front, there's a growing unease that the former Hull City and Everton boss may depart Craven Cottage this summer.

Also linked with the current Chelsea vacancy, the 48-year-old has overseen a tremendous job in charge of Fulham, leading the Cottagers back into the Premier League before reestablishing the west London outfit as regulars with finishes of 10th, 13th and 11th.

Filipe Luis

Having guided Flamengo to Copa Libertadores glory, Filipe Luis was a shock sacking after the Brazilian giants opted to terminate his contract in March.

Former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid left-back Luis ventured into coaching following his retirement from professional football in 2023 and after working with the academy teams at Flamengo, he succeeded Tite as interim head coach of the Rio de Janeiro outfit.

Luis averaged a trophy every 14 games at Flamengo, winning seven titles across his 18-month spell which included the Brazilian Serie A and their historic Copa Libertadores triumph over Palmeiras.

Out of work since his Flamengo exit, the 2025 South American coach of the year has been linked with a multitude of jobs across Europe.

Abel Ferreira

Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira has established himself as one of South America's most intelligent coaches across a six-year spell with Palmeiras.

The former Sporting right-back previously managed Braga and Greek side PAOK, whom he guided to a club record 51 matches unbeaten, before relocating to Brazil in November 2020.

Ferreira has won two Copa Libertadores titles, two Brazilian Serie A titles and a Copa do Brasil success, while the 47-year-old oversaw Palmeiras' run to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals.