José Mourinho Returns to Real Madrid for Second Spell After 13 Years
By Luckybets Media Team
Real Madrid have officially confirmed the return of José Mourinho as head coach, marking a dramatic second spell at the club 13 years after his first tenure ended.
The Spanish giants announced on Thursday that the Portuguese manager has signed a three-year contract at the Santiago Bernabéu, replacing Álvaro Arbeloa, whose departure was also confirmed.
Mourinho, 63, returns to Madrid after spending the previous season in charge of Benfica. The Portuguese club had already confirmed on Wednesday that Real Madrid were prepared to pay a €15 million compensation fee to release him from his contract.
Club president Florentino Pérez, who was recently re-elected, reportedly made Mourinho’s return one of his key promises during his campaign.
Pérez has also outlined plans to strengthen the squad, including targeting players such as Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries, while also preparing a €150 million bid for a marquee “Galáctico” signing. Madrid have already tested the market with an offer for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, which was rejected.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, where he won LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. He also guided the club to three consecutive Champions League semi-finals.
Since leaving Madrid, he has coached several top European clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, Fenerbahçe and Benfica.
At Benfica, Mourinho went unbeaten in the league last season but finished third behind Porto and Sporting. His side were also eliminated by Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout phase playoffs.
Despite not winning a major trophy in recent years, Mourinho’s appointment is seen as a bold move aimed at restoring Madrid’s dominance after back-to-back trophyless seasons under Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa.
Mourinho last won a trophy in 2022 with Roma in the UEFA Conference League, while his last league title came with Chelsea in 2015.
Now back at the Bernabéu, Mourinho faces the task of rebuilding Real Madrid into a winning force once again.
