Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho
Despite having managed 10 different clubs across five separate European leagues, and with a career spanning the best part of three decades, Jose Mourinho has only ever claimed one British stadium to be ‘in his heart’.
Indeed, it is with Chelsea that he has enjoyed the most success in England, having helped them win three Premier League titles. But it isn’t Stamford Bridge that received his utmost praise, nor was it Old Trafford or White Hart Lane - the other two stops on his expedition across the birthplace of the beautiful game.
The Portuguese tactician, considered among the best managers ever, instead chose a more low-key venue, but one that is adored by pretty much anyone who has visited, thanks to its rickety English charm.
Jose Mourinho Named British Stadium That is 'In His Heart'
Jose Mourinho while at Chelsea in 2014
As Everton men's team prepared to play their last ever match at Goodison Park in the 2024/25 season, Sky Sports put together a documentary about the legendary old ground, which included then-Fenerbahce coach Mourinho reflecting on his memories from the Toffees' stadium.
He said: "The first memory I have of Goodison Park is a Drogba goal, minute 90. A crazy goal from outside the box, crazy control, and an amazing shot, and everybody running around.
Goodison Park
Goodison Park
Ranking the 25 best stadiums in world football (2025)
Ranking the 25 best stadiums in world football (2025)
But that wasn't the first time 'The Special One' had declared his appreciation for Goodison Park - which ranks among the best stadiums in Premier League history. In 2016, while managing Man United, he also said, as per Daily Express: "I managed against (Roberto) Martinez’s Everton, (David) Moyes’ Everton and it is always difficult.
"It is always beautiful with a great crowd and a great stadium which is historical for my country as Eusebio scored four goals in one match there during the World Cup in ‘66. I had so many great matches there. Some I lost, some I won, but always a great match."
Goodison Park is Immortalised in English Football
Everton fans invade the pitch at Goodison Park
With the women's side now playing all their home matches at Goodison Park, one of the only real positives of David Moyes' side's move to the Bramley-Moore Docks is that their history on the opposite side of Stanley Park to Anfield will remain there forever. Fans can still visit the iconic stadium, with Women's Super League action every other weekend during the domestic season.
Although success has been few and far between for the Toffees in the modern era, there has been no shortage of times neutrals have spoken about the fanbase as one of the loudest around, with their relegation battle cries more recently just as passionate as their celebrations furing their pomp in the 80s.
Eusebio named it as his favourite stadium for similar reasons to Mourinho, while club legend Duncan Ferguson also claimed it was as atmospheric as any in world football.