Dare Babalola
José Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid as manager after signing a three-year deal with the Spanish giants, marking his second spell at the Santiago Bernabéu more than a decade after his first stint in charge.
According to BBC Sport, the Portuguese tactician will officially resume duties after the club’s presidential election scheduled for June 7.
He replaces Álvaro Arbeloa, who had been serving in an interim role since January following Xabi Alonso’s departure.
Mourinho’s return comes after a disappointing 2025/26 season for Real Madrid, who finished the campaign without a major trophy.
Rivals Barcelona won the La Liga title, while Bayern Munich eliminated Madrid from the UEFA Champions League in the quarter-finals.
The 63-year-old joins from Portuguese side Benfica, where he guided the club to a third-place finish in the Primeira Liga during a brief spell.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning the La Liga title, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.
He notably led the club to the 2011/12 league crown with a then-record 100 points, ending Barcelona’s dominance under Pep Guardiola.
Since leaving Madrid in 2013, Mourinho has managed Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma and Fenerbahce.
He also guided Roma to victory in the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022.
His return is expected to signal the beginning of another rebuilding phase for Real Madrid as the club aims to re-establish itself as a dominant force in Spain and Europe.
Arbeloa departs after a short spell in charge, having failed to reverse the club’s struggles following Alonso’s exit.
Mourinho now faces the challenge of restoring Real Madrid’s status among Europe’s elite in what promises to be another high-pressure chapter in his managerial career.
