Bruno Lage

Early career

Born in Setúbal, Lage's father, Fernando Lage Nascimento, was formerly a manager in the Portuguese lower leagues. Lage started his coaching career in the youth ranks of hometown club Vitória de Setúbal in 1997. Lage was appointed as a physical/fitness coach by former Vitória and Famalicão manager José Rocha, of whom he was described as a protégé. In 2004, Lage joined Benfica as a youth coach. Lage coached every youth team from 2004 to 2012. Defender João Cancelo has praised the role of Lage in his development and credited him as a father figure. Lage later worked as an assistant coach to Carlos Carvalhal at Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City from 2015 to 2018. Lage co-authored a book on football tactics alongside Carvalhal, Soccer: Developing a Know-How (2014). Lage returned to Benfica as manager of their reserve team in July 2018 to replace Hélder Cristóvão.

Benfica

2018–19: First season and league title

During Benfica's 2018–19 season, Lage took charge of the club's first-team as caretaker manager, replacing Rui Vitória on 3 January 2019. He managed his first Primeira Liga game in a 4–2 home win over Rio Ave on 6 January, and was appointed permanent head coach eight days later. One of Lage's first decisions was to begin regularly starting teenage playmaker João Félix, who had scored twice in the triumph over Rio Ave. Upon being appointed as Benfica coach, Lage had decided to focus on developing youth and adopting an attacking…

Lage's son, Jaime (born April 2015), is named after Jaime Graça, Lage's biggest influence in football, as a mentor. Lage's younger brother, Luís Nascimento, is also a coach.

Manager

Benfica

Primeira Liga: 2018–19 Taça da Liga: 2024–25 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2019, 2025 Individual

Primeira Liga Best Coach: 2018–19 Portuguese Football Federation Men's Coach of the Year: 2019 Primeira Liga Manager of the Month: February 2019, March 2019, April 2019, December 2019, January 2020, November 2024, February 2025, March 2025, April 2025, Premier League Manager of the Month: January 2022