Jose Mourinho returns to Real Madrid as head coach on three-year deal

Real Madrid have officially named Jose Mourinho as their new head coach, signing him to a three-year contract. The announcement came on Thursday, confirming that Mourinho will join the La Liga giants on July 13, the start of preseason.

Mourinho's return became inevitable after Florentino Perez was re-elected as club president this week, paving the way for the Portuguese's comeback to the Spanish capital after 13 years. He leaves Portuguese Primeira Liga side Benfica to take the helm at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 63-year-old tactician, who previously delivered a record-breaking La Liga title for Real Madrid in 2012, replaces Alvaro Arbeloa. The club endured a humiliating end to the domestic campaign, with Barcelona clinching the league title with a 2-0 victory in El Clasico earlier this month. It marked the first time in 94 years that the Spanish league was decided by a meeting between the fierce rivals.

Real Madrid, a record 15-time Champions League winner, have failed to progress past the quarterfinals in the last two seasons and have gone two consecutive seasons without a major trophy. This prompted Perez to act decisively. In his victory speech after re-election, Perez stated: "We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles. ... Proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho."

Mourinho first joined Real Madrid in 2010, spending three seasons at the club. During his tenure, he won one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup amid fierce rivalry with Pep Guardiola's Barcelona. Appointing the divisive Mourinho is seen as a gamble by President Perez after a barren 2025-26 season.