Rui Costa Addresses Mourinho’s Future Amid Growing Real Madrid Links

TOPSHOT - Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho (L) holds up a Benfica jersey with his name together with Benfica president Rui Costa during a press conference for his official presentation as new Benfica coach at the Benfica Campus training center in Seixal, on the outskirts of Lisbon, on September 18, 2025. Benfica sacked Portuguese coach Bruno Lage following their defeat to Qarabag on September 16, 2025 evening in the Champions League, and contacted Jose Mourinho the next day to hire him. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Speculation surrounding José Mourinho’s future intensified this week after Benfica sporting director Rui Costa publicly addressed the manager’s contract situation while Mourinho himself acknowledged ongoing contact between Real Madrid and his agent Jorge Mendes.

Speaking to RTP Notícias , Rui Costa maintained that Mourinho remains Benfica’s coach “until proven otherwise,” while confirming that the decision now rests largely with the Portuguese manager himself. “José Mourinho is Benfica’s coach until proven otherwise,” Rui Costa said. “It’s up to Mourinho to decide.

” Costa also revealed Benfica have already presented Mourinho with a renewal offer following the club’s strong season under his leadership. “As for everything else, I’ll speak with the Benfica fans this week to take stock of the season,” he added. The comments come shortly after Mourinho fueled growing rumors of a potential return to Real Madrid during an interview following Benfica’s victory over Estoril.

According to most reputable sources in Spain, Mourinho to Real Madrid is all but done. The Portuguese coach admitted he has received “an excellent offer” to extend his stay with Benfica, but also openly acknowledged communication between Real Madrid and his longtime agent Jorge Mendes. “Starting Monday, I’ll be able to talk about my future,” Mourinho said.