Jose Mourinho breaks down in tears before Benfica game

Jose Mourinho is a name synonymous with winning silverware at some of the biggest clubs in world football – including Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Now 63 and with a litter of trophies in his repertoire, the two-time Champions League winner is spending the potential swan song of his career in his homeland.

No longer an attractive option for clubs pushing for the biggest honours in world football, Mourinho is now plying his trade on the touchline for Benfica.

As things stand, after 38 matches in charge, he’s accrued a points-per-match rate of 2.

A stint back in his country of birth comes after a brief stint in Turkey with Fenerbahce – and his Benfica side are currently second in Liga Portugal.

Four points behind table-topping Porto, Mourinho’s men are taking it one game at a time.

The former Old Trafford chief has often put on a persona as being the self-proclaimed Chosen One – but a recent incident has proved that, beyond the surface, he is still human.

The Portuguese tactician broke down in tears before Benfica’s 3-0 win over Vitoria de Guimaraes at Estadio da Luz as the stadium completed a minute’s silence for Silvino Louro.

The entire stadium observed in silence to commemorate the life of Louro, who had passed away following a long-term illness.

But it was Mourinho who was hit the most. Visibly upset while standing on the touchline with his staff members, it was a poignant reminder of friendships within football.

Looking up at the big screen, a picture of Louro emerged and the stadium watched the touching tribute with the utmost respect.

The footballing world has been in mourning since it was sadly announced that former Manchester United goalkeeping coach Louro had passed away at the age of 67.

Louro – who plied his trade as a goalkeeper for the likes of Benfica and Porto – joined the Old Trafford club in 2016 following Mourinho’s arrival.

He had previously worked under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan and he spent five years in Manchester before leaving to join Al-Hilal in 2021.

It was a very emotional moment for Mourinho given that he and the late Louro had spent so much time together all across Europe.

Just hours after the news, Mourinho posted a tribute on social media. “I’m crying now but Ill be able to laugh, laugh a lot, talk about you, and remember every moment,” he wrote.

“You are loved in the Mourinho family and you will live on. I’ll keep listening to you before every match: ‘Brother, everything will be alright’. Rest in peace, little brother.”