Mourinho’s homecoming to Roma sparks a clash of loyalties ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League tie

Jose Mourinho is set to step back onto a familiar patch when his Real Madrid side travel to Roma on Wednesday for a Champions League encounter, and the Portuguese tactician can expect a sizeable reception from the Roman faithful. The manager, long known for dividing opinion, has cultivated varying degrees of affection across his former clubs.

Ranking the affection of Mourinho’s former homes

Ahead of his Roman return, a ranking has been compiled that orders his previous clubs from most to least enamoured with the man who once declared himself the ‘Special One’. The list excludes his current club, Real Madrid, as his story there continues.

Inter Milan tops the chart, having granted Mourinho a debut Scudetto followed by an unprecedented Treble, cementing his status alongside Helenio Herrera as one of the most beloved Inter managers. The blue‑and‑black half of Milan still reveres those achievements.

Chelsea follows closely, where Mourinho’s first spell produced back‑to‑back Premier League titles and four domestic cups. Fans still chant his name, recalling his return with Benfica in the previous season’s Champions League as evidence of his cult‑hero status.

Roma occupies the next rung, with the capital’s celebrations in 2021 reflecting the memory of his Inter triumphs. Mourinho ended a 14‑year trophy drought by winning the Europa Conference League and later reached a Europa League final, feats that have romanticised his tenure.

UD Leiria, a modest second‑tier side with a sub‑24,000‑seat stadium, represents the smallest of Mourinho’s stops. Though his stint lasted only 20 games before moving to Porto, the club now wears the connection as a badge of honour.

Manchester United lands in the mixed‑feelings zone. Former striker Eric Cantona voiced a common sentiment: “I love Jose Mourinho, but in terms of the type of football he plays I don’t think he is Manchester United.” The appointment in 2016 sparked controversy, reflecting lingering doubts among some fans.

“They understood that I gave everything,” Mourinho reflected on his bond with Roma supporters, acknowledging mistakes yet insisting the fans always recognised his effort.