Real Madrid have officially announced the return of veteran Portuguese manager José Mourinho as the club’s head coach, marking a dramatic comeback more than a decade after his first spell at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The 63-year-old has signed a three-year contract and is set to begin his second tenure when the squad resumes pre-season training on 13 July. To secure Mourinho’s services, Real Madrid agreed to pay Benfica €15 million (£13 million) in compensation.
The appointment fulfills a key pledge made by club president Florentino Pérez during his successful re-election campaign earlier this month. Pérez, who received 65 percent of the vote to defeat challenger Enrique Riquelme, had promised supporters he would bring Mourinho back to Madrid if re-elected.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey trophy, and a Spanish Super Cup. His first spell is remembered for restoring the club’s competitiveness during a period dominated by Barcelona.
Since leaving Madrid, Mourinho has managed several major clubs across Europe, including Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, Fenerbahçe, and most recently Benfica.
During his lone season with Benfica, Mourinho guided the Portuguese giants through an unbeaten Liga Portugal campaign. However, despite the impressive run, Benfica finished third in the league standings.
Benfica have already moved quickly to replace Mourinho, reaching an agreement with former Fulham manager Marco Silva to take charge of the club.
Mourinho returns to Madrid with a significant challenge ahead. The Spanish giants have endured a disappointing period, failing to win a major trophy over the past two seasons. Club officials and supporters will now hope the experienced coach can restore Real Madrid to the summit of Spanish and European football.
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