Everton are on a woeful run of form in the Premier League, having won just once in the top flight since September.
Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Norwich City, coupled with Leeds United’s 3-2 win at West Ham United on Sunday has seen Everton drop to 16th on the Premier League table, six points above the relegation zone.
Benitez was appointed in controversial circumstances last summer, replacing Carlo Ancelotti, who joined Real Madrid.
As a former Liverpool manager, Benitez’s appointment divided opinions among the Everton fan base but a bright start to the season, brought some reprieve.
However, it has been downhill for Benitez since September and the club’s fans soon grew disenchanted with his methods.
A banner asking Benitez to leave the club was unveiled at last weekend’s FA Cup win at Hull City and again during Saturday’s loss at Norwich City.
The club said in a brief, 40-word statement: "Everton Football Club can confirm the departure of Rafael Benitez as first team manager.
"Benitez, who joined Everton in June 2021, has left the Club with immediate effect.
"An update on a permanent replacement will be made in due course."
Benitez is the seventh Premier League manager to be sacked this season after Xisco Munoz, Steve Bruce, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Dean Smith, Daniel Farke and Nuno Esperito Santo.
