Jose Mourinho: The Special One

José Mourinho truly is "The Special One". Whether you love him or hate him, there's no denying he's one of the greatest managers in the history of futebol (soccer).

In front of over 75,000 fans at the Santiago Bernabeau Stadium in Madrid, Mourinho became just the third manager to win the UEFA Champions League with two different teams.

For the first time since 1965, Inter Milan are "Kings of Europe" as they defeated Bayern Munich 2-0 to capture the 2010 UEFA Champions League crown.

It's a sweet victory for the Portuguese manager that is affectionately known as "The Special One". A master tactician, a genuis on the sidelines, a master manipulator, the King of Mind Games, and a manager who seems to have the midas touch. He's confident, perhaps a bit arrogant, and very outspoken – but it's his accomplishments that speak louder than words.

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FC Porto

2002/03 Portuguese Liga
2002/03 Portuguese Cup
2002/03 UEFA Cup
2003 Portuguese Super Cup
2003/04 Portuguese Liga
2003/04 UEFA Champions League

Chelsea FC

2004/05 English Premier League
2004/05 English League Cup
2005 FA Community Shield
2005/06 English Premier League
2006/07 FA League Cup
2006/07 FA Cup

FC Internazionale

2008 Supercoppa Italiana
2008/09 Serie A
2009/10 Coppa Italia
2009/10 Serie A
2009/10 UEFA Champions League

Since the 2002/03 season, José Mourinho has won at least one championship in every year. The 2007/08 season is the only blemish on his record – as he left Chelsea in early September and didn't take over Inter Milan until June 2008.

He's been able to succeed in Europe and succeed in three different leagues – so what's next for "The Special One"?

Some have said that he'd be a perfect replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Yet it appears the Santiago Bernabeau Stadium will hold a special spot in his heart – not only was it the site of today's Champions League win but in all likelyhood, it'll be his new home as he's widely expected to manage Real Madrid.

And that is where José Mourinho will face his biggest challenge. Real Madrid demands success immediately. They spend a ridiculous amount of money on players in an effort to buy their way to glory and for the most part – have failed miserably. "The Galacticos" are more of a joke than anything… on paper they're a far superior club than any other yet fail to succeed on the pitch. Could that change under Mourinho's watch?

This is a club that hasn't won in Europe since 2002 and haven't won La Liga since 2008. The pressure is on to bring a major trophy back to Madrid and under José Mourinho, that's very much a possibility.

If he can win in Spain and even add another Champions League title to his growing list of accomplishments it would silence any and all critics that remain. And once he's accomplished that, maybe – just maybe, he can take over Portugal and help lead them to the promised land. 

José Mourinho: The Special One… FC Internazionale – the 2010 UEFA Champions League Winners!