Carioca Preliminary Overview

José Mourinho has joked, during an exclusive appearance on the Beast Mode On Podcast, that he considers an ‘Invincibles’ campaign with Benfica in 2025-26 to be his ninth league title. No silverware was secured in Lisbon at the end of an unbeaten season, but the newly-appointed Real Madrid manager is rightly proud of an achievement that few clubs at the highest level can claim to have emulated.

Thiago Silva has completed a surprise return to Fluminense after leaving Porto. The veteran defender has signed a deal until the end of 2026 and is set to begin training with the Brazilian club next week. His arrival strengthens Fluminense's ambitions as they look to compete for major honours in South American football.

Erik ten Hag has publicly confirmed his desire to bring free agent Wout Weghorst to FC Twente ahead of the upcoming Eredivisie campaign. However, the Enschede outfit face stiff continental competition for the veteran striker, with Portuguese heavyweights Benfica positioning themselves to lure the former Manchester United loanee to Lisbon.

Rui Costa has revealed that Jose Mourinho's departure from Benfica was effectively decided before the Real Madrid presidential election outcome was known. The Benfica president said Mourinho had been transparent about Los Blancos' interest and confirmed a mutual agreement would have seen the coach leave even if Florentino Perez had not won the vote.