Jose Mourinho Shows Class with Heartwarming Gestures Ahead of Newcastle vs Benfica Clash

Before a ball was even kicked at St. James’ Park on Tuesday night, Jose Mourinho had already made a lasting impression — not with tactics or mind games, but with a series of classy and heartfelt gestures that reminded football fans why he remains one of the sport’s most compelling figures.

As Newcastle United prepared to face Benfica in a crucial Champions League group-stage fixture, all eyes were not just on the players taking to the field, but also on Mourinho — the legendary Portuguese manager now at the helm of the Lisbon giants.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side were eager to bounce back after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League over the weekend. With European competition offering a chance for redemption, the Magpies hoped to build on their emphatic 4-0 win against Union Saint-Gilloise in their previous Champions League outing.

Mourinho, a two-time Champions League winner and a household name in world football for over two decades, arrived in Newcastle with a sense of calm and respect that stood in contrast to his more fiery past encounters in English football. Known for his passionate touchline antics and no-nonsense attitude, the “Special One” instead chose to let his humility take center stage ahead of this high-stakes fixture.

One of the most heartwarming moments came before kick-off, when Mourinho was seen warmly greeting Newcastle United legend Les Ferdinand. Ferdinand, a beloved figure among Magpies supporters and a key part of the club’s history during the 1990s, was working as a pundit for TNT Sports on the night. Cameras captured the touching scene as Mourinho approached the former striker on the touchline, smiling broadly as the two men exchanged a warm embrace and shared a few words.

For fans watching, it was a simple but meaningful act — a sign of mutual respect between two icons of the game, and a gesture that undoubtedly resonated with the St. James’ Park faithful.

Mourinho’s thoughtful conduct didn’t end there. As the players lined up in the tunnel, TNT Sports cameras also caught the Benfica boss taking a moment to interact with the young mascots waiting nervously for their big moment. Rather than focusing solely on the match ahead, Mourinho paused to shake hands with the children, smile, and exchange a few words — a gesture that surely made the evening unforgettable for those young fans.

These small moments often go unnoticed in the high-pressure world of elite football, but they speak volumes about Mourinho’s awareness of the human side of the game. His willingness to engage warmly with the mascots showed a side of the manager that isn’t often seen during the intensity of competition.

In yet another sign of respect and camaraderie, Mourinho also shared a brief embrace with a member of Newcastle United’s staff in the tunnel, further emphasizing the good-natured tone he brought to the night. For all his past rivalries and fiery encounters in English football, Mourinho displayed genuine warmth and appreciation for the club, the people behind the scenes, and the fans.

Adding emotional weight to the occasion was Mourinho’s well-known connection to one of Newcastle’s greatest ever figures — Sir Bobby Robson. The former Newcastle manager, who passed away in 2009, played a pivotal role in shaping Mourinho’s early career. Mourinho served as Robson’s assistant during spells at Sporting CP, FC Porto, and Barcelona, and has never been shy about expressing his admiration and gratitude for the man he considers a mentor.

That deep bond with Robson brings a sentimental layer to any match Mourinho takes part in at St. James’ Park — a ground where Robson is remembered not just as a manager, but as a symbol of passion, dignity, and love for the game. Mourinho’s composed and respectful demeanor on Tuesday felt like a quiet tribute to that legacy.

While Mourinho is often known for his tactical genius, sharp wit, and fiery press conferences, his behavior before the Champions League fixture showed another side of the man — one that appreciates the traditions, history, and people that make football so special.

As Benfica and Newcastle battled it out on the pitch, it was clear that, win or lose, Jose Mourinho had already earned the admiration of many in the stands for his conduct before a ball had even been kicked.