Jose Mourinho has been dismissed as head coach of Fenerbahce, the Turkish Super Lig club confirmed on Friday.
The decision follows a series of disappointing results, culminating in a 1-0 defeat by Benfica in the Champions League play-off, which relegated the team to the Europa League for another season.
This marks the end of Mourinho’s tenure, which began in the summer of 2024.
Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce – what went wrong?
Despite leading Fenerbahce to a strong second-place finish in the league with 84 points – but 11 points behind rivals Galatasaray – Mourinho’s time in Turkey was marred by controversies both on and off the pitch.
In February 2025, following a 0-0 draw against Galatasaray, Mourinho faced a four-match ban and a fine of approximately £32,500 for derogatory comments about Turkish referees.
He claimed that Fenerbahce officials had not been transparent about match referees and criticised the officiating standards in Turkish football. These remarks were deemed offensive by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) and led to disciplinary action.
The situation escalated in April 2025 when Mourinho grabbed the nose of Galatasaray’s manager, Okan Buruk, after a Turkish Cup quarter-final loss. This incident resulted in a three-match ban and further strained relations with rival clubs and the TFF.
Controversies and tensions
Mourinho’s tenure was also marked by public disputes with club officials and the media.
In June 2025, leaked WhatsApp messages from TFF disciplinary committee members appeared to target Mourinho, stating, ‘We will make him pay for this next season.’ Fenerbahce condemned these messages, demanding a transparent investigation into the matter.
What’s next for Jose Mourinho?
With his departure from Fenerbahce, Mourinho is now a free agent.
Speculation is rife about his next move, with reports suggesting that he may be open to a return to the Premier League. Former Manchester United and Chelsea manager, Mourinho has previously expressed interest in managing in England again.
Notably, Nottingham Forest has been mentioned as a potential destination, with some sources indicating that Mourinho would be ‘open’ to taking the job.
As one of the most decorated managers in football history, Mourinho’s next appointment will undoubtedly attract significant attention.
Whether he returns to England or takes on a new challenge elsewhere, his departure from Fenerbahçe marks the end of a turbulent chapter in his storied career.
