Fenerbahçe Sack José Mourinho After Missing Out on UCL Group Stage.

Fenerbahçe have parted ways with head coach José Mourinho, just two games into the 2025-26 season. The club confirmed the decision in a statement on Friday, following their failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stage.

Fenerbahçe Sack José Mourinho After Missing Out on UCL Group Stage

Quick Facts about José Mourinho

• Mourinho joined Fenerbahçe in June 2024 amid high expectations

• He leaves after 62 matches, with 37 wins and a win rate of approximately 59.7%

• The decision came after a 1-0 aggregate defeat to Benfica in the Champions League playoffs, which eliminated them from Europe's premier competition

Season Recap

• 2024–25 Süper Lig: Fenerbahçe finished 11 points behind champions Galatasaray in second place.

• Turkish Cup: Eliminated in the quarterfinals.

• Europa League: Exited in the round of 16, losing on penalties to Rangers

Controversy Off the Pitch

Mourinho’s tenure was marked by a series of public controversies:

• He frequently criticized referees and league standards in Turkey

• He faced disciplinary action over remarks perceived as racist and for touching the opposing coach’s face in a heated clash with Galatasaray’s Okan Buruk

Club Statement & Context

Fenerbahçe issued a statement thanking Mourinho and wishing him success in his future endeavors. His departure follows that of Besiktas boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was also dismissed after a European exit, making this a dramatic managerial shake-up in Istanbul.