Jose Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid as head coach after signing a three-year contract with the Spanish giants.
The Portuguese tactician is making a dramatic comeback to the Santiago Bernabeu more than a decade after his first spell at the club.
According to reports, Mourinho will officially resume after Real Madrid’s presidential election scheduled for June 7.
The 63-year-old coach leaves Benfica after guiding the Portuguese side to a third-place finish in the Primeira Liga this season.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning the La Liga title, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup during his first stint.
He replaces Alvaro Arbeloa, who took over in January following Xabi Alonso’s departure but failed to revive the club during a disappointing campaign.
Real Madrid ended the 2025/2026 season without a trophy, while rivals Barcelona clinched the La Liga title. The club also crashed out of the UEFA Champions League after losing 6-4 on aggregate to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.
Since leaving Madrid in 2013, Mourinho has managed top European clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma and Fenerbahce.
During his second spell at Chelsea, he won the Premier League and EFL Cup in the 2014/2015 season.
At Manchester United, he lifted the Europa League, EFL Cup and Community Shield before leaving the club in 2018.
He also guided Roma to UEFA Europa Conference League glory in 2022.
Real Madrid will now hope Mourinho’s return can restore the club’s dominance in Spain and Europe after a frustrating season without silverware.
