Portuguese legend José Mourinho turns 62 on January 26, 2025, marking a significant occasion for football fans. Known as the “Special One,” Mourinho’s coaching career has been filled with remarkable achievements, controversial moments, and high-profile rivalries. To celebrate his birthday, CityUnitedFans.com highlights the five most famous rivalries The Special One has experienced during his managerial journey.
Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger
José’s most well-known rivalry was with Arsenal’s legendary manager, Arsene Wenger. Their public clashes began in 2004 and spanned over a decade in the Premier League. The Special One frequently mocked Wenger, once calling him a “specialist in failure.” Despite their hostility, the pair eventually reconciled after Wenger left Arsenal in 2018, with José later acknowledging Wenger as one of the greatest coaches in history.
Mourinho and Rafael Benitez
Tensions between The Special One and Rafa Benitez began when the latter succeeded him at Inter Milan in 2010, with Benitez accusing Mourinho of neglecting player fitness. The feud intensified after Benitez’s wife commented on José’s work, prompting a scathing personal response from the Portuguese manager. José once claimed Benitez “ruined” Inter Milan after his treble-winning season.
Mourinho and Antonio Conte
José’s animosity with Antonio Conte, another Premier League rival, was filled with insults and heated exchanges. Conte often dismissed José as irrelevant in modern football, while The Special One labelled Conte an “acrobat” on the sidelines. Their feud came full circle when both failed to meet expectations at Tottenham, leading the club’s chairman, Daniel Levy, to regret hiring them.
Mourinho and Pep Guardiola
Although less fiery, José’s rivalry with Pep Guardiola has been consistent since their time in Spain and continued in England. Guardiola’s comments comparing their achievements reignited tensions, with The Special One defending his own accomplishments and subtly referencing Manchester City‘s ongoing financial controversies.
Mourinho and Manuel Pellegrini
José’s relationship with Manuel Pellegrini was particularly bitter after José replaced him as Real Madrid coach in 2010. Pellegrini criticised José for “bringing ugliness to football,” while José mocked Pellegrini’s move to coach Malaga. Years later, Pellegrini got his revenge, highlighting The Special One’s struggles with mid-tier clubs like Roma and Fenerbahce.
Mourinho’s illustrious and dramatic career is defined not only by his trophies but also by these unforgettable rivalries that have shaped his legacy in football history.
