José Mourinho linked with Morocco job amid coaching speculation

Morocco’s football federation reportedly identified José Mourinho as its leading candidate to replace Walid Regragui, according to local media, in a move that would have sent shockwaves through international football.

The Moroccan outlet Al Mountakhab claims the Portuguese manager was the preferred option of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) as discussions over Regragui’s succession unfolded behind closed doors.

However, the report suggests that any potential deal would have faced significant contractual barriers. Mourinho is currently tied to Benfica, a situation that would make a swift departure highly complex.

With the World Cup only four months away, the timing would also have posed a major challenge to securing such a high-profile appointment.

For now, the claim remains unconfirmed and should be approached with caution.

Beyond contractual complications, the speculation has prompted debate about whether Mourinho would consider a role in international management.

Throughout his career, the Portuguese coach has built his reputation in club football, where he has operated with daily involvement in training sessions, tactical planning and transfer decisions.

A move to the international stage would represent a marked shift in rhythm. National team management typically offers less contact time with players and operates around a fragmented calendar dictated by international breaks. Mourinho has never previously taken charge of a national side.

Nonetheless, some observers argue that, at this stage in his career, an international assignment — particularly with an ambitious side such as Morocco — could present an appealing new challenge.

In the end, the Mourinho link appears more speculative than substantive. Reports indicate that the FRMF examined a range of domestic and foreign candidates before ultimately favouring an internal solution in the form of Mohamed Ouahbi.

Yet the circulation of Mourinho’s name, alongside that of Xavi, underlines the scale of ambition within Moroccan football as it looked ahead to life after Regragui.

Whether the approach was concrete or merely exploratory remains unclear, but it signals that Morocco was prepared to think big.