Mourinho Close to Real Madrid Comeback
José Mourinho is in advanced talks to become the next head coach of Real Madrid, marking a possible return more than a decade after his first spell at the club.
Club president Florentino Perez has already opened discussions with Mourinho’s representatives, and he currently stands as the only serious candidate under consideration.
Real Madrid recently changed leadership after Alvaro Arbeloa took charge in January following Xabi Alonso’s exit.
Contract Timing and Exit Clause
Mourinho is currently managing Benfica in Portugal under a two year deal he signed last September.
He has a release clause that allows him to leave for around 3 million euros within 10 days after Benfica complete their final match of the season.
Benfica’s last game against Estoril Praia marks the opening window for Real Madrid to finalize a potential agreement at a relatively low cost.
Mourinho’s Coaching Journey So Far
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
After leaving Spain, he returned to Chelsea and secured another Premier League title along with domestic cup success.
He later managed Manchester United, where he won the Europa League, EFL Cup, and Community Shield in his first season.
His career also includes spells at Tottenham Hotspur, AS Roma, and Fenerbahce, where he won the Europa Conference League in 2022.
Real Madrid Season Review
Real Madrid ended the 2025 to 26 season without winning a trophy.
FC Barcelona secured the La Liga title with a strong win in El Clasico and finished the season 14 points ahead.
In Europe, Real Madrid exited the Champions League at the quarter finals stage after a 6 to 4 aggregate defeat against Bayern Munich.
Internal Tensions at the Club
The club has also faced off field issues.
Midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde were fined a total of 1 million euros following a dressing room dispute.
Valverde was treated in hospital for a head injury after the incident, although he denied any physical fight occurred.
