Childhood and Education Journey of José Mourinho in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 2, 2026

Discover the defining moments in the early life of José Mourinho. From birth to education, explore key events.

José Mourinho, a Portuguese professional football manager currently coaching Benfica, is widely regarded as one of the most successful managers in football history. Known as "the Special One," he has won league titles in four different countries and is among the select few to have won the European Cup with two different clubs. Notably, he stands alone as the only manager to have secured victories in all three current UEFA club competitions, solidifying his legacy as a highly decorated and influential figure in the sport.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1953: Construction of Vitória's Estádio do Bonfim

From 1953 to 1961, Mourinho's mother's uncle funded the construction of Vitória's Estádio do Bonfim.

1961: Construction of Vitória's Estádio do Bonfim

From 1953 to 1961, Mourinho's mother's uncle funded the construction of Vitória's Estádio do Bonfim.

January 1963: José Mourinho's Birth

In January 1963, José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix, a Portuguese professional football manager and former player, was born.

1963: Born in Setúbal, Portugal

In 1963, José Mourinho was born in Setúbal, Portugal.

1972: Father earns cap for Portugal

In 1972, Mourinho's father earned one cap for Portugal.

1975: Manuel Sérgio at Belenenses

From 1975-77, Manuel Sérgio was the ex-chairman and deputy director of Belenenses.

1975: Assets Nationalized

In 1975, assets belonging to Mourinho's mother's uncle were nationalized.

1989: Marriage to Matilde "Tami" Faria

In 1989, José Mourinho married Matilde "Tami" Faria, whom he met in Setúbal during their teenage years.

1996: Birth of Daughter Matilde

In 1996, José Mourinho and his wife welcomed their first child, a daughter named Matilde.

2004: Publication of Unauthorized Biography

In 2004, an unauthorised biography of Mourinho by journalist Joel Neto, titled O Vencedor – De Setúbal a Stamford Bridge, was published.

2004: Self Proclamation

Since the self proclamation in 2004, Mourinho is often nicknamed "The Special One".

2005: English Translation of Biography

In 2005, the English translation of the unauthorized biography "O Vencedor – De Setúbal a Stamford Bridge" was released as "Mourinho: The True Story".

May 2007: Arrest for Animal Welfare Incident

In May 2007, Mourinho was arrested for preventing animal welfare officials from putting his dog into quarantine due to insufficient inoculation.

2007: Children attend St Peter's International School

Until 2007, Mourinho's children attended St Peter's International School, a private boarding institution in Palmela.

June 2008: "Ma io non sono pirla!"

On June 3, 2008, during the press conference introducing him as new Inter manager, Mourinho spoke almost perfect Italian and said "Ma io non sono pirla!" (Milanse Italian for "I'm not stupid!").

November 2008: Discussion with journalist

On November 9, 2008, after Inter defeated Udinese 1–0 via a late Julio Ricardo Cruz goal, Mourinho had a discussion with the journalist Mario Sconcerti about comparisons with Roberto Mancini.

2008: Luís Lourenço becomes president of Vitória de Setúbal

In 2008, Luís Lourenço became president of Vitória de Setúbal.

March 2009: Honorary Doctorate from the Technical University of Lisbon

On March 23, 2009, Mourinho was awarded a doctorate honoris causa degree by the Technical University of Lisbon for his accomplishments in football.

2010: Publication of Official Biography

In 2010, an official biography by Luís Lourenço, titled Mourinho, a Descoberta Guiada, was published.

2014: Global Ambassador of the United Nations' World Food Programme

Since his appointment in 2014, Mourinho acts as a Global Ambassador of the United Nations' World Food Programme.

2017: Voice acting role as Pope Francis

In 2017, Mourinho voiced Pope Francis in a Vatican-approved Portuguese animated film marking the centenary of the apparition of Our Lady of Fátima.

2020: Spinazzola's Injury during UEFA Euro

In José Mourinho's first transfer window at Roma, in the summer of 2021, he incorporated academy players such as Nicola Zalewski into the first team, with Zalewski replacing Leonardo Spinazzola, after Spinazzola ruptured his Achilles tendon during the UEFA Euro 2020.

April 2022: Expanded upon his faith

In April 2022, Mourinho expanded upon his faith and its relationship with his career, proclaiming: "People think football is my life, but no. There are more important things, including the relationship with God. For me, God is love."

2024: Daughter's Wedding

In 2024, Mourinho celebrated his daughter's wedding to the joint venture partner of Winkworth CEO's younger brother at the family estate of Quinta de Catralvos in Azeitão.