When Love Becomes a Passport: Mourinho’s Africa Adventure That Isn’t, Thanks to Loyal Fans

Madness keeps Mourinho from traveling to Africa.

Origins of Mourinho's Africa Ties

Mourinho, the Benfica coach, spoke of a long, close bond with African players and fans formed over years, during which he guided many of the continent's star names.

Stories from a Podcast

On a podcast with Rio Ferdinand, the Manchester United legend, Mourinho said some African players used to call him 'Dad', even though most were younger.

He added with a smile that when Michael Essien used to call him 'Dad', he would halt him.

Mourinho explained he cannot travel to Africa because of the fans' wild devotion, noting he has coached many players from the continent.

He listed Didier Drogba and Kalou from Ivory Coast, Geremi and Samuel Eto'o from Cameroon, Obi Mikel from Nigeria, and also Essien and Muntari from Ghana.

He added that he has 'men all over the world,' and that whenever he travels Africa, he can't walk due to their love—even those living in Europe.

To be honest, he said, he loves them too and finds African players incredibly loyal and pure.

The remarks come as AFCON is held in Morocco, featuring a huge slate of African stars shining in European clubs.

Punchlines: If affection were a passport, Mourinho would never need a visa. And if fans paid travel, he’d finally reach Africa—on a never-ending victory tour.

Punchline 2: Loyalty here runs so deep that even his Wi‑Fi can’t escape the crowd—anywhere in the world, they’ll still recognize him as the boss.