According to widespread media reports, the move of Benfica coach Jose Mourinho (63) to Spanish record champions Real Madrid is taking on increasingly concrete forms.
The Athletic and the BBC report that the Portuguese coach has signed a three-year contract with the LaLiga runners-up and will take over the team for the new season. There has been no official confirmation from the club yet.
An official announcement is not expected in the coming days. This is due to the presidential elections at Real. These are scheduled for June 7th, meaning the new coach can only be announced afterward. Incumbent Florentino Perez (79) and challenger Enrique Riquelme (37) are competing in the vote. Mourinho’s contract can only come into effect if Perez remains president, and he is considered the clear favorite.
For Mourinho, this would be his second spell at Real. He previously managed the Royals between 2010 and 2013, winning one league title and one Copa del Rey. In 2011, he was named World Coach of the Year. After leaving the Spanish capital, he managed clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Fenerbahce.
Jose Mourinho Can Leave Benfica Early
Last autumn, he joined Benfica, where he is under contract until 2027. However, a release clause allows for an early departure. There are differing media reports regarding the amount of the buyout clause in his contract.
In Madrid, Mourinho will succeed former player Alvaro Arbeloa. Arbeloa took over as interim coach in January after the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. However, he too could not prevent Real from having their second consecutive season without a trophy.
Jose Mourinho’s First Stint at Real Madrid in Numbers:
| Games | 178 |
| Wins | 127 |
| Draws | 28 |
| Losses | 23 |
| Goal Difference | 476:171 |
| Points per Game | 2.30 |
| Titles | 2 |
English Translation:
Jose Mourinho is reportedly nearing a return to Real Madrid, with media outlets like The Athletic and the BBC claiming the Portuguese manager has signed a three-year contract. The deal is contingent on Florentino Perez winning the upcoming club presidential elections on June 7th, as Mourinho’s contract can only become active if Perez remains in charge.
This would mark Mourinho’s second tenure at the helm of Real Madrid. He previously coached the club from 2010 to 2013, securing a league title and a Copa del Rey, and earning the title of World Coach of the Year in 2011. Since his departure from Madrid, he has managed prominent clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, and Fenerbahce.
Mourinho joined Benfica last autumn and is currently contracted until 2027, but his contract includes an early exit clause. Reports vary on the specific buyout fee required for his release.
Should he return to Real Madrid, Mourinho would replace Alvaro Arbeloa, who took over as interim coach in January following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. However, Arbeloa was unable to steer the team to any titles in the current season, marking Real Madrid’s second consecutive trophyless campaign.
During his first stint at Real Madrid, Mourinho oversaw 178 matches, achieving 127 wins, 28 draws, and 23 losses, with a goal difference of 476:171. He averaged 2.30 points per game and won 2 major titles.