Real Madrid bringing back Jose Mourinho

Monday, 18 May 2026 at 21:13

By Field Level Media/ Reuters

Jose Mourinho has agreed to a two-year deal to return as head coach at Real Madrid, ESPN reported on Monday.

Mourinho, 63, has informed Portugal's Benfica, his current club, that he is leaving, as per the report.

He looks set to replace Alvaro Arbeloa, who took over in January as the interim coach after the club fired Xabi Alonso.

Real Madrid endured a second straight season without a major trophy this year, losing to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal.

With one La Liga match remaining, Real Madrid are 11 points behind the champions, rival Barcelona.

Mourinho managed Real Madrid from 2010-13, winning one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey and one Supercopa de Espana during that stretch.

He was under contract through 2027 at Benfica, which will receive $8 million in compensation, according to ESPN.

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