As Jose Mourinho prepares for his return to a well-known stadium, the spotlight will be on him this Wednesday as Real Madrid face Roma in the Champions League. Expect a grand reception for the Portuguese manager, who has always been a polarising figure in the football world — adored by some, while others vehemently reject him.
Ahead of the clash, the website BritBall.Net has compiled a list ranking Mourinho's former clubs based on the warmth and loyalty of their fans — from unconditional adoration to outright disdain. Notably, his current club Real Madrid has been excluded from this ranking as his story there is still unfolding.
1. Inter
The pinnacle of tactical appreciation. Mourinho spent just two seasons in Milan but delivered a historic triumph, clinching Serie A in his debut year and achieving a legendary treble the following season — a unique feat in Italian football. He stands alongside the great Helenio Herrera as one of the most revered coaches in Inter's history. When he returned to San Siro in 2022 with Roma, fans greeted him with a banner declaring, "Welcome home, Jose" and old chants.
2. Chelsea
His first spell at Stamford Bridge has reached iconic status, earning the title of "The Special One," while clinching two successive championships on his first try and bagging four cups. Even his subsequent stints with direct rivals Manchester United and Tottenham couldn't undermine that bond. When he returned to London with Benfica in last year's Champions League, the stands erupted in his name. Any grudges have long since evaporated, cementing Mourinho as a legend for Chelsea fans.
3. Roma
His arrival in 2021 ignited euphoria in Italy’s capital. Mourinho exceeded expectations by claiming the Europa Conference League, breaking a 14-year trophy drought for the Giallorossi, and reaching the Europa League final the following season. Even after being sacked in January 2024, the fans bid him farewell with gratitude banners, showing respect for his commitment to the team. Ahead of his visit with Real, a fresh mural dedicated to Mourinho appeared in Rome.
4. Uniao de Leiria
This modest club became a stepping stone for Mourinho's rise to Porto. He managed just 20 matches during the 2001/02 season, yet he elevated the team to the top tier of Portuguese football. The connection with such a caliber coach still serves as a point of pride for the club, without any negative sentiment regarding his departure.
5. Manchester United
Here, the relationship is complex and ambiguous, but respect has ultimately prevailed. His appointment in 2016 stirred controversy due to his Chelsea past and his pragmatic approach to football. However, winning the Europa League, the League Cup, and finishing second in the Premier League over time has led fans to appreciate his achievements, especially given the club's long-standing crisis. Mourinho is rightly viewed as the most successful manager in the post-Alex Ferguson era.
6. Porto
Despite the legendary triumph in the 2004 Champions League, which marked a golden chapter in Porto's history, relationships soured during his exit to Chelsea. The real blow for fans came when Mourinho decided to take the reins at bitter rivals Benfica in 2025. During their clash, Porto fans unfurled a sarcastic banner: "There’s only one Special One — FC Porto."
7. Benfica
His first stint in 2000 lasted just 11 matches due to backstage power struggles, while his return a quarter of a century later left mixed feelings. Mourinho had a season without losses, but the multitude of draws robbed the club of title chances. Fans reacted calmly to his move to Real and the appointment of Marco Silva, with no excessive drama.
8. Fenerbahce
His tenure in Istanbul began with triumphant ovations, but a lack of trophies led to disappointment amongst the demanding Turkish fans, particularly as Galatasaray secured the title. Comments from Mourinho describing his choice to join the Turkish club as a "mistake," and stating that the league "didn't match his level," only stirred up anger.
9. Tottenham
Tottenham emerges as the clear bottom of the rankings. Many Spurs supporters initially viewed the appointment of the ex-Chelsea boss with skepticism. Mourinho’s pragmatic style clashed starkly with Mauricio Pochettino’s romantic approach, and his sacking just before the League Cup final in 2021 marked a sour end to a partnership that few in North London lamented.
