Fulham have confirmed that Marco Silva is leaving his role as head coach after five years at the club. The Portuguese manager is set to join Benfica, who are poised to lose José Mourinho to Real Madrid.
Silva departs having led Fulham to 11th in the Premier League for the second successive season, the fourth time the club have finished mid-table since winning promotion in his first campaign. He also guided the team to the Carabao Cup semi-finals in 2023-24 and achieved the club's record Premier League points tally of 54 in 2024-25, as well as their most wins in a top-flight season (15) on three occasions.
Fulham owner Shahid Khan said: 'Fulham and Marco were an excellent fit for five seasons, but change is inevitable in this game and we’ve accordingly prepared for this moment.' The club wanted to keep Silva and offered him a new contract, but the opportunity to coach in Europe with Benfica proved decisive.
In an open letter, Silva thanked the fans, saying: 'I asked you, from day one, to always be with us. And that’s what you did these past five years. We achieved a lot together. My staff and I always felt your support. It will never be forgotten. Fulham will always be in my heart, and sooner or later I will be back at Craven Cottage.'
Silva joined Fulham in July 2021 after their relegation under Scott Parker, leading them to the Championship title and re-establishing them in the Premier League. His departure means he will avoid a reunion with newly promoted Hull City next season. Ipswich's Kieran McKenna and former Brentford boss Thomas Frank are among the names linked with the vacancy.
