We’re back with the second installment of our series diving into the stories behind some of football’s most viral meme moments! This time, we’re turning our attention to none other than “The Special One” himself—Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho’s antics have produced countless meme-worthy moments throughout his managerial career. From press conference jibes to cheeky grins, the man is a walking meme factory.
But there’s one particular clip that stands out: the moment when Mourinho, all suited up, jumped off his seat and sprinted towards the fourth official, furiously waving his arms.
But what was it that sent Mourinho flying off the bench? Was it just classic Jose, or was there something more to it?
The story behind Jose Mourinho Running to the Sideline Official
The Setup: A High-Stakes Clash
It was February 2nd, 2020, and Tottenham Hotspur were hosting Manchester City in a high-stakes Premier League encounter.
Spurs, managed by Jose Mourinho, were looking to turn their season around, while Pep Guardiola’s City were still fighting to close the gap at the top of the table.
The match was evenly poised, but tensions were simmering from the very start. City dominated possession, as expected, but Spurs were resolute in defense. It was a chess match between two tactical masterminds, and it didn’t take long for the drama to unfold.
The Incident: VAR Controversy and a Penalty That Never Was
The first half saw Manchester City earn a penalty after Serge Aurier fouled Sergio Aguero inside the box. Ilkay Gundogan stepped up to take it but was denied by Spurs’ keeper Hugo Lloris. That was just the beginning.
As Gundogan’s shot rebounded back into play, Raheem Sterling went for the follow-up and appeared to be brought down by Lloris.
The City players immediately appealed for a second penalty, believing Sterling had been fouled. But referee Mike Dean wasn’t convinced and allowed play to continue.
Then came the twist.
After a VAR check, it was confirmed that there was no foul. But there was another issue: should Sterling have been booked for diving?
The England winger had already received a yellow card earlier in the match for a dangerous challenge on Dele Alli.
A second yellow for simulation would have meant a red card and an early shower for Sterling. But instead, Dean decided to take no further action.
Enter Jose: The Moment That Became a Meme
What happened next is what turned this match into meme gold.
In a now-viral clip, Mourinho is seen casually sitting on the bench, observing the game. Then, suddenly, his assistant, Joao Sacramento, leans over and whispers something in his ear. Whatever was said completely changed Mourinho’s demeanor.
Within seconds, he’s up on his feet, charging towards the fourth official like a man possessed. Arms flailing, face contorted in anger, he demands that Sterling be shown a second yellow and sent off.
The reason for his outrage? Sacramento had just informed him that Sterling was already on a yellow card. Mourinho realized that had Sterling been booked for diving, City would be down to 10 men.
The speed at which he processed this information and shot off towards the official was peak Mourinho—a perfect blend of drama, passion, and humor.
Fans watching at home couldn’t get enough. The clip spread like wildfire across social media. Memes, GIFs, and hilarious captions followed, turning Mourinho’s sideline sprint into an internet sensation.
The Aftermath: Spurs Get the Last Laugh
Despite the controversy, Spurs went on to secure a crucial 2-0 victory over Manchester City. Goals from new signing Steven Bergwijn and Son Heung-Min in the second half sealed the deal for Mourinho’s side. But even after the win, Jose wasn’t done talking about the Sterling incident.
In the post-match interviews, Mourinho expressed his disbelief at the decision not to book Sterling. He felt that City had gotten away with one and didn’t hold back in letting everyone know.
The incident added another chapter to the Mourinho vs. Guardiola rivalry, with both managers exchanging words during and after the match. But for the fans, it was Mourinho’s sprint that stole the show.
Why Did It Become a Meme?
So, what made this particular Mourinho moment go viral?
Firstly, it’s the sheer suddenness of it. One second he’s calm and composed, and the next he’s sprinting like he’s seen a ghost.
The contrast in his demeanor is hilarious, and the exaggerated gestures only add to the comedy.
Secondly, it’s classic Mourinho. Anyone who’s followed his career knows that he lives for these moments of drama. He’s not just a manager; he’s a performer.
Whether he’s defending his players, winding up the opposition, or pleading his case to the officials, he does it with unmatched flair.
Lastly, the context. The incident perfectly encapsulates Mourinho’s persona—always looking for that edge, always ready to seize on any opportunity, no matter how small.
It’s this relentlessness that has made him one of football’s most captivating characters, and also one of the most meme-able.
Conclusion
Even years after the match, Mourinho’s sideline sprint remains one of the most memorable moments from his stint at Spurs. It’s not just a meme; it’s a reminder of the kind of passion and personality he brings to the game.
For Spurs fans, it’s a cherished memory of their time under one of football’s greatest managers. For neutrals, it’s a hilarious moment that shows just how intense the beautiful game can get.
But above all, it’s a testament to the fact that, in football, sometimes the most memorable moments happen off the pitch rather than on it.
And that’s what makes football memes so special—they capture the essence of these off-pitch dramas in a way that words alone never could.
Stay tuned for our next blog in this series, where we’ll explore yet another iconic football meme and the story behind it. Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good football meme?
