Home
+
Published : 30 May 2026, 12:25 AM
Jose Mourinho has signed a contract to return as head coach of Real Madrid, according to The Athletic, marking a dramatic comeback to the Spanish capital nearly 12 years after his departure.
The 63-year-old agreed terms last week on a deal running until June 2029, with an official announcement expected after the club’s presidential elections on Jun 7, The Athletic reported on Friday.
Mourinho is understood to be the preferred choice of incumbent president Florentino Perez, who triggered the electoral process on May 12, it added.
Perez faces a challenge from renewable energy entrepreneur Enrique Riquelme, who told The Athletic earlier this week that Mourinho “would not be his choice” as Madrid head coach.
However, Perez is widely expected to retain his position, with preparations already under way for Mourinho’s backroom staff and summer recruitment plans.
The Athletic reported on May 16 that Mourinho was set to meet Perez to finalise the agreement, with both parties moving towards a deal.
Earlier, on May 8, it was revealed that Madrid were in talks with Mourinho as Perez’s preferred candidate, in contrast to the process that led to Xabi Alonso’s appointment last season, which was overseen by general manager Jose Angel Sanchez before being approved by the president.
Mourinho had also been offered a contract extension at Benfica, but confirmed in a press conference that he delayed any decision until after their final match of the season, a 3-1 win over Estoril on May 16.
Sources briefed on the situation, speaking to The Athletic on condition of anonymity, indicated he had already informed some figures at Benfica that he intended to leave.
Benfica have since begun exploring replacements, with Fulham manager Marco Silva emerging as a leading candidate ahead of former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, who is not believed to be interested.
Other names previously considered at Madrid included United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino, AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri, France coach Didier Deschamps, and former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who is admired internally.
Mourinho previously spent three seasons at Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning three domestic trophies, including the 2011-12 La Liga title with a record points total.
