When thinking of the greatest football management legends, José Mourinho, "The Special One," can't help but be top of the list. His big personality, football acumen, and astonishing achievement in various European top-flight leagues have made him one of the all-time greats.

From brandishing the Champions League trophy aloft with plucky clubs to restructuring football with the top clubs across Europe like FC Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Roma, Mourinho's record reads like a masterclass in football administration. 

So, why is Mourinho the legend that he is today? Was it his emergence at Porto, rivalries with other top managers, his historic achievement in Italy and ability to inspire top Serie A goal scorers of all time, or his sheer ‘arrogance’?

Early Life and Beginnings

Born on the 26th of January 1963, in Setúbal, Portugal, José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix was raised immersed in football. His father, Félix Mourinho, was a footballer-turned-coach, so young José gained a front-row perspective of the intricacies of the game. When his career as a footballer failed to get started, he moved his focus towards becoming a coach, learning about the tactical side of the game. 

 His journey began in the shadow of giants. His first route for a physical education degree had his passion for football lead him to change course into coaching, where he initially began as a translator for Sir Bobby Robson at Sporting CP and then later for FC Porto and FC Barcelona. It was where the future football manager first demonstrated his fastidious eye for detail and his stubborn resolve to rise to the top.

Rise to Prominence with FC Porto

Mourinho's managerial skills first gained international acclaim at FC Porto. He took charge of the team in 2002 and won the Primeira Liga title in his first season. However, the 2003-2004 campaign secured his position in football history. Porto's dramatic run in the continentals started when they defeated Manchester United in the knockout stages, with Mourinho becoming famous for his iconic sprint along the Old Trafford touchline. Porto then defeated AS Monaco 3-0 in the final, making him one of the youngest managers to win the tournament. 

His tactical revolution, such as creating compact defense mechanisms, stunned Europe and demonstrated his unparallelled ability to outsmart rivals. He took his victory to Chelsea, where he would ultimately establish himself.

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The Chelsea Revolution

Mourinho arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2004, introducing himself with the now-legendary declaration: "Please don't call me arrogant, but I'm European champion and I think I'm a special one." That arrogance was matched by immediate success. Chelsea claimed back-to-back English Premier League championships in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 under his leadership, ending a 50-year wait for a league title.

The team's defensive impenetrability was unprecedented, conceding just 15 goals in the 2004-2005 season—a Premier League record that remains to this day. To his second consecutive league title win in 2006 was added an FA Cup, and two League Cups before he left in 2007 after falling out with the Chelsea hierarchy. Chelsea became a force to be reckoned with under him, achieving domestic dominance and international respect.

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Mourinho revolutionized English football through his result-oriented brand of football, where defensive solidity and tactical discipline were prioritized. His fierce rivalry with Man City, Arsenal, and Manchester United added a special flavor to the Premier League during his time in England.

Inter Milan and the Historic Treble

Mourinho's next chapter was in Italy with one of the Serie A powerhouses, Inter Milan. He achieved legendary status within the span of just two seasons. His tenure culminated in the 2009-2010 season when Inter created history by winning the treble, taking home Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League Trophy. This saw Inter become the first-ever Italian club to achieve this feat. Mourinho's tactical masterclass, utilizing a defensive counter-attacking approach to defeat Barcelona in the semi-finals, is among the most debated performances in football history. 

Inter Milan won the Champions League final by defeating Bayern Munich 2-0, and Mourinho joined the exclusive band of managers who have won Europe's premier club competition with two teams. Mourinho left Inter in tears after the Champions League triumph, having achieved his goal. His next stop? Real Madrid.

Real Madrid and The Battle Against Barcelona

In 2010, Mourinho joined Real Madrid, with the mission to dethrone a strong FC Barcelona under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola both in the El Classico matches and Spanish La Liga title. Although Guardiola was prone to overawing, the mission by Mourinho to lead Real Madrid to break Barcelona's domestic dominance during the 2011-2012 season after racking up 100 points in La Liga.

Mourinho's time at Real Madrid also included a 2011 Copa del Rey win. But despite domestic triumph, his Real Madrid side underperformed in Champions League football, reaching three consecutive semi-finals but never winning it. His time was punctuated by explosive press conferences, mind games, and clashes with the media and players. In 2013, Mourinho returned to Chelsea to continue his Premier League saga with another chapter. 

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The Return to Stamford Bridge

Mourinho returned to Chelsea in 2013, leading the team to another Premier League title and League Cup in the 2014-2015 season. He built a Chelsea powerhouse team with Eden Hazard, Diego Costa, and Cesc Fabregas. His tactical skills and ability to get the best out of his team cemented his status as one of the best managers in the sport. However, his second spell was ended abruptly in 2015 by a run of bad form and disagreements with the club. Mourinho's time at Chelsea had formally come to an end, yet his journey was only just starting.

Manchester United & Europa League Glory

In 2016, Mourinho was appointed Manchester United's manager, inheriting a club that failed to regain its former glory. As much as he endured the criticism, his tenure has seen the club win the UEFA Europa League in the 2016-2017 season, qualifying them for the Champions League football. United also won the EFL Cup and the FA Community Shield in his first year under his leadership. Mourinho then termed finishing second in the English Premier League table with Manchester United as one of the career highlights, highlighting challenges faced in that season. 

Mourinho then claimed that finishing second in the English Premier League table the following season (2017-180, was "one of his greatest achievements," given the problems at the club. However, internal conflict and a disastrous start to the 2018-19 season led to his dismissal. Even after departure, Mourinho remains the last manager to have lifted a European trophy with Man Utd.

Tottenham Hotspur and AS Roma

Mourinho's subsequent managerial appointments were Tottenham Hotspur, where he led the team to the EFL Cup final before his departure and when he moved into the AS Roma job in 2021, where he led the club to a title victory in the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League, a title which Roma had not won a European one in decades, and the first-time champions of the competition. Mourinho again defies conventional wisdom, proving why he is regarded as being one of the best football managers of all time.

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A Manager Like No Other

Apart from the cutlery, Mourinho's impact on football goes deep. His tactical revolution, particularly the focus on defensive formations and quick counter-attacks, has influenced manager tactics worldwide. His innovative and tendentious nature has made him a key component of football discourse. As of 2025, Mourinho is still one of football's most desired figures in management. Recent signs point towards him having ambitions to lead the Portuguese national team, looking to apply his tactical skills at an international level. Considering his records, he’s also a manager who’s final records can only be matched by few managers, which has made him or his team some punter’s choice when making football predictions in high stake matches.   

Conclusion

From humble origins in Portugal to successes in England, Italy, and Spain, José Mourinho's professional life is a testament to his adaptability, tactical acumen, and unrelenting desire to win. His moniker, "The Special One, is not just a self-styled tag but a reflection of a career of phenomenal success that has made an indelible mark in the world of football. As he continues to craft his managerial career, one thing is certain, Jose Mourinho is and will always be The Special One.

People Also Ask about Jose Mourinho 'The Special One'

What makes Mourinho so special?

• José Mourinho is considered special due to his tactical acumen, winning mentality, leadership skills, and ability to build strong team cohesion and motivate players. He's known for his success in multiple leagues and his ability to adapt his teams to different environments. 

What was Jose Mourinho's famous quote?

• Jose Mourinho's most famous quote is "I'm a special one," which he famously uttered upon arriving at Chelsea in 2004 after leading Porto to an unexpected Champions League triumph.

Why is Jose Mourinho called The Special One?

• Jose Mourinho gained the nickname "The Special One" after his first press conference as Chelsea manager in 2004, where he famously stated, "Please don't call me arrogant, but I'm European champion and I think I'm a special one".

Who is the best player in the world according to Mourinho?

• According to Jose Mourinho, the best player he's ever seen on the pitch is Ronaldo Nazário (R9), not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

What is Jose Mourinho's tactic?

• José Mourinho's tactical approach is known for its defensive solidity, counter-attacking prowess, and emphasis on individual marking. He often uses a 4-2-3-1 formation, but adapts his tactics based on the opponent and his team's strengths.

Why is Jose Mourinho so loved?

• José Mourinho is widely loved, particularly in football circles, due to his tactical brilliance, winning mentality, charismatic personality, and his ability to motivate and inspire players. He is known for his success across multiple leagues and his ability to turn teams into champions.

Who is Jose Mourinho's favorite player?

• Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Didier Drogba. They make you feel like a genius."

Who did Mourinho learn from?

• José Mourinho's coaching career was significantly influenced by his time working with Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal at Barcelona, where he learned about tactics and coaching from them.

Is Jose Mourinho the best coach in the world?

• Whether Jose Mourinho is the best coach in the world is subjective and open to debate, as different people have different criteria for evaluating a coach's success. However, he is widely considered one of the greatest managers of all time, with a strong track record of winning major trophies and coaching at top clubs.

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