José Mourinho is set to return to Spanish giants Real Madrid more than a decade after his first spell at the club, following confirmation from his current employers, Benfica, that the Portuguese coach will leave Lisbon for a second stint at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Benfica announced on Monday that Real Madrid intend to appoint Mourinho as their new head coach and will pay a reported €15 million release fee to secure his services. The Portuguese club also revealed that Marco Silva will succeed Mourinho at Benfica. While Real Madrid had not immediately issued an official announcement, multiple reports indicated that the move had been agreed following the re-election of club president Florentino Pérez.
Mourinho, 63, previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey trophy and a Spanish Super Cup during his first tenure. His Madrid side famously amassed 100 points and scored 121 goals en route to the 2011-12 league title.
The Portuguese manager returns at a challenging time for the Spanish club. Real Madrid have endured two consecutive seasons without a major trophy, while rivals Barcelona have claimed back-to-back La Liga titles. The disappointing run increased pressure on the club’s leadership and prompted a search for an experienced figure capable of restoring discipline and competitiveness.
Pérez made Mourinho’s return a central part of his successful presidential campaign. Reports before the election suggested that the veteran coach had already reached an agreement with Madrid, pending the outcome of the vote. Following Pérez’s victory, Benfica confirmed that the deal would proceed.
According to reports in Spain, Mourinho has already begun assembling his backroom staff for the move. Several trusted assistants from his recent spell at Benfica are expected to join him in Madrid as he prepares for the 2026-27 season.
Mourinho’s return marks one of the most significant managerial appointments in European football this year. After coaching clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, AS Roma, Fenerbahçe and Benfica since leaving Madrid in 2013, the self-styled “Special One” now faces the task of restoring Real Madrid to the summit of Spanish and European football.
The club’s supporters will hope Mourinho can replicate the success of his first spell and guide Real Madrid back to major silverware after two difficult seasons.
