Famous for his successes as a coach, few people know about José Mourinho’s faith and Marian devotion. Let’s find out more.

At least once a year in Fatima

It was his mother who took him to Fatima for the first time, and since then May 13 has been a very important occasion for him. “At least once a year I go on pilgrimage to Cova da Iria,” José Mourinho told a Catholic magazine. He also revealed that he prefers to go there when darkness falls, so that he can experience this special moment in intimate contemplation. During the day it would be a little more difficult, since he is a well-known figure and people would approach him. In Rome too, he often went to St. Peter’s late in the evening.

100% Catholic

“I’m 0% superstitious, 100% Catholic,” Mourinho replied one day to a journalist who asked him why he had held a crucifix in his hands during the match. A faith he had breathed in at home from an early age. And the memory goes back to the moments when his mother would have him say prayers in the evening. He confessed that even today, in any circumstance, not only in difficult situations, he asks his faith for help and has never been disappointed.

Love for God, love for loved ones and for others

Mourinho has also said that his love for God is expressed in the love he feels for his loved ones. His family, his friends, those who love him and whom he loves, living or deceased: through the love he feels for them, he manages to express his love for God. This love for God is also expressed in solidarity with people he does not know, whom he tries to help in one way or another.

Pope Francis

For Mourinho, Pope Francis is a source of inspiration. He greatly appreciates his simplicity, in which he sees himself reflected. He said that he follows the Sunday Angelus on television. He feels that Pope Francis’s ability to create empathy makes him seem like someone close, as if he were a parish priest from a small parish in his small Portugal.

“I pray a lot. I’m Catholic. I try to be a good man.” This is how Mourinho replied to a journalist who asked him the secret of his success. Truly a beautiful testimony of faith.

And did you know this aspect of coach Mourinho? Write it in the comments.