Renowned football manager José Mourinho has hinted at a pivotal career shift, expressing his ambition to lead a national team on the international stage. Currently coaching Fenerbahçe in Turkey, the “Special One” is contemplating this move as the next logical step in his illustrious career. With his sights set on a post-2026 World Cup timeline, this decision could redefine his legacy.
Mourinho’s international ambitions: A career milestone.
At 61 years old, José Mourinho has achieved almost everything in club football. From Champions League victories with Porto and Inter Milan to domestic league titles with Chelsea, Real Madrid, and others, his record speaks volumes about his expertise. However, the Portuguese tactician has revealed a profound desire to take on the challenge of national team management. In a recent interview with Corriere dello Sport, Mourinho stated, “I want to participate in an Euro or a World Cup, uniting a nation around its team, just as I’ve done with clubs and their fans.”
This aspiration, he believes, would crown his already illustrious career. As he continues his tenure with Fenerbahçe, where his team currently sits second in the Turkish league, Mourinho sees this as his final club challenge before transitioning to the international stage.
Why wait until after 2026? Strategic timing and preparation.
Mourinho’s timeline for stepping into international football seems deliberate. According to reports, he is considering waiting until after the 2026 World Cup to make this move. This delay could allow him to carefully evaluate potential opportunities while continuing to build his experience. Sources close to the coach suggest that he is eyeing a long-term project, possibly with Portugal or another high-profile national team, where he can bring his tactical expertise and leadership to bear.
His current stint with Fenerbahçe might also serve as a preparatory phase. Although the Turkish side trails league leaders Galatasaray by eight points, Mourinho has shown resilience in navigating challenges, proving once again that he thrives under pressure.
Regrets and reflections: Looking back at pivotal career moments.
While Mourinho’s future ambitions are clear, he has also taken time to reflect on his past. In the same interview with Corriere dello Sport, he opened up about some of his career decisions that he now views with a sense of regret. Chief among them is his departure from Real Madrid in 2013. “Saying no to Florentino Pérez remains one of my biggest regrets,” Mourinho admitted. “He told me, ‘Don’t leave now. You’ve done the hardest part, and the best is yet to come.’” Despite Pérez’s plea, Mourinho returned to Chelsea, citing his desire to return to London after three difficult years in Spain.
His departure paved the way for Carlo Ancelotti, who led Real Madrid to their historic tenth Champions League title just a year later. Mourinho also regrets staying at AS Roma after losing the Europa League final in 2023. “I should have left immediately after that game. I didn’t, and it was a mistake,” he confessed. His tenure in Rome ended prematurely with a dismissal in early 2024.
A legacy in the making: What would national team leadership mean?
Transitioning to managing a national team would mark a significant shift in Mourinho’s career. Known for his tactical mastery, motivational skills, and ability to build winning teams, his potential move to international football could bring a new level of strategic acumen to the global stage. His record of uniting clubs and fans around a shared vision suggests he could bring the same energy to a national team, fostering unity and ambition in ways that few managers have achieved.
Mourinho has emphasized the importance of staying true to his principles as a coach. “The greatness of a coach lies in results, not philosophy,” he explained. “It’s about humanity, not egocentrism. A coach must always be intellectually independent.” These values, he believes, are the cornerstone of success, whether in club football or on the international stage.
Looking ahead: The football world reacts to Mourinho’s ambitions.
Mourinho’s potential shift to national team management has sparked widespread speculation and excitement among fans and analysts. His track record of success and ability to handle high-pressure environments make him a prime candidate for any
national team seeking a transformative leader. Portugal, his home country, remains a natural fit, given his cultural ties and the team’s potential for success. However, Mourinho has not ruled out leading another nation, should the right opportunity arise.
Football experts believe that his expertise in tournament settings, where short-term strategy and adaptability are paramount, aligns perfectly with the demands of international football. His ability to inspire players and deliver results in high-stakes matches could make him a game-changer at the international level.
As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, speculation will undoubtedly intensify regarding Mourinho’s next move. Whether he takes charge of a European powerhouse or an underdog seeking to rewrite its footballing history, the world will watch closely as “The Special One” continues to chart his extraordinary path in the sport.
