Jose Mourinho has signed a three‑year deal to return as Real Madrid’s head coach. The 63‑year‑old will not be formally unveiled until after the club’s presidential election on 7 June, which hinges on Florentino Perez staying in office. Mourinho left Benfica, where he finished third in the Primeira Liga and after a season of mixed results.

Madrid ended the 2025‑26 campaign trophyless, with rivals Barcelona clinching La Liga after a 2‑0 El Clásico win. The team also exited the Champions League quarter‑finals 6‑4 on aggregate to Bayern Munich. Mourinho’s return follows Alvaro Arbeloa’s brief stint and aims to restore order amid a fractured dressing room and the club’s reputation and players today.

Mourinho’s past triumphs include La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup between 2010 and 2013, and a Premier League title with Chelsea in 2015. His tenure at Benfica yielded a third‑place finish, while his spells at Manchester United and Roma added European silverware. The new era will test his ability to manage talent.

The decision aligns with President Perez’s strategy to re‑establish authority after two trophyless seasons. With a squad fractured by internal disputes and a lack of collective identity, the club counts on Mourinho’s disciplinarian style to unite players and deliver silverware. The appointment signals a shift back to traditional dominance.