Cork teenager Jaden Umeh called up to Benfica first team by Mourinho

Former Ringmahon Rangers and Cork City tyro could get his debut before the season is out

GIFTED: Jaden Umeh moved up to Ireland U21 level recently, having just turned 18. Picture: INPHO/Aleksandar Djorovic

Benfica’s Cork-born teen wonder Jaden Umeh has been fast-tracked into the first-team by José Mourinho.

The Mahon native, who made his Ireland U21 debut last month just a week after turning 18, features in squad training coverage carried on the Portuguese giants’ website.

🎬 Sessão de quarta-feira no Benfica Campus! pic.twitter.com/fdKrsNpdsf

— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) April 22, 2026

Winger Umeh can be seen warmly embraced by Mourinho, who returned to his homeland last September after a decorated managerial career in England, Spain, Italy and Turkey.

Jaden Umeh in action for Cork City in 2024. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Umeh joined Benfica at 16 from Cork City after becoming the club’s youngest ever debutant at just 15 years and 230 days in November 2023.

He’s developed at a steady rate since, centrally involved in the club’s march through the Youth Champions League competition to last week’s semi-final stage. His spectacular goals, including a long-range free kick in the Lisbon derby, have brought his profile to an international audience.

Benfica are seven points adrift of leaders Porto in Liga Portugal with four games left and it remains to be seen whether Mourinho grants a debut to Umeh on the run-in.

He is also in line for a potential senior Ireland call-up for the summer camp in Spain.

Brothers Franco and Jaden Umeh. Picture: Larry Cummins

His older brother Franco, also a product of the Ringmahon Rangers schoolboy set-up, joined Portsmouth from Crystal Palace last September for €580,000 but hamstring trouble has restricted the 21-year-old to just two appearances, the last in January’s FA Cup tie against Arsenal.

Heimir Hallgrímsson is a known admirer of the flanker’s explosive pace and could elevate him for the 10-day trip that culminates with a friendly against Grenada in Murcia on May 16.

OPTIONS

Jack Moylan is another uncapped player in the equation for a maiden call-up, He spearheaded Lincoln City’s surprise League One title triumph, ahead of Brian Barry-Murphy’s Cardiff City, and will be watched in the flesh by the Ireland boss on Saturday when they host Wycombe Wanderers.

Hallgrímsson is due to name his squad, that will exclude players in the English and Scottish Premier divisions, on Tuesday week, May 5.