Key facts
- José Mourinho has signed a three-year contract to become Real Madrid's new head coach.
- His second tenure with the club will officially begin on July 13.
- The contract is valid only if current president Florentino Perez wins the upcoming presidential election on June 7.
- Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning three domestic trophies.
- He is leaving his position as manager of Benfica.
- Alvaro Arbeloa was the interim coach following Xabi Alonso's exit.
Real Madrid has announced the return of José Mourinho as its head coach, signing the Portuguese manager to a three-year contract. This marks Mourinho's second stint with the Spanish football powerhouse, approximately 13 years after his initial tenure from 2010 to 2013.
Mourinho's new contract is set to officially begin on July 13, coinciding with the start of the preseason. However, the deal is contingent upon the outcome of the club's presidential election, scheduled for June 7. Current president Florentino Perez, who has been in office since 2009 and previously served from 2000 to 2006, is facing a challenge from renewable energy entrepreneur Enrique Riquelme. Perez is widely expected to win the election.
Mourinho departs from his role as manager of Benfica, where he took charge in September and guided the team to third place in the Primeira Liga this season. During his previous spell at Real Madrid, Mourinho secured La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. He replaces Alvaro Arbeloa, who took over as interim coach in January following Xabi Alonso's departure. Real Madrid concluded the 2025-26 campaign without a major trophy, finishing second in La Liga and exiting the Champions League in the quarter-finals.
The appointment of Mourinho is seen as a strategic move by Florentino Perez, aiming to restore authority and identity to a reportedly fractured Real Madrid squad. Perez, known for his critical stance on referees and belief in an "organised campaign" against him, appears to align with Mourinho's 'siege mentality' coaching philosophy. The club hopes Mourinho's strong leadership will address issues within the dressing room and steer the team back to success after two consecutive trophyless seasons.