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Rabat – Real Madrid are considering bringing Jose Mourinho back as head coach, 13 years after his first spell at the Bernabeu.
The 63‑year‑old is still under contract with Benfica until 2027, but his deal includes a clause that allows him to leave within 10 days of the end of the season if a release fee of around $3 million is paid.
President Florentino Pérez has often turned to coaches who know the club’s culture. Both Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane were re‑appointed in the past, and now Pérez sees Mourinho as the strong figure needed to restore order.
🚨 Real Madrid have started José Mourinho operation with direct contacts now taking place.
Benfica want Mou to stay at all costs but aware of Real talks ongoing; it depends on Madrid.
Up to Florentino Pérez: he will decide if Mourinho returns or not.
🎥 https://t.co/J6yTl9JBcd pic.twitter.com/9RZXCsVpXW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 8, 2026
Madrid are about to finish a second straight season without a major trophy, and recent unrest in the squad, including a training‑ground fight between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde, has added to the sense of crisis.
Mourinho’s first spell from 2010 to 2013 was turbulent, marked by clashes with players, referees, rivals, and the media.
Yet some at Madrid believe that his confrontational style helped set the stage for later Champions League triumphs under Ancelotti and Zidane.
Fan reaction
Supporters were divided during his first tenure. A hardcore group backed him even after controversial incidents, while others felt his behavior clashed with Madrid’s traditions.
Today, frustration with the squad’s performances has shifted blame toward players rather than the hierarchy.
That mood has softened resistance to Mourinho’s return, with some fans and pundits viewing him as a viable option.
The dressing room’s view
Within the dressing room, reactions are mixed. Some players welcome change after Álvaro Arbeloa’s struggles, while others are cautious.
Mourinho has limited direct links with the current squad, though he previously worked with young defender Dean Huijsen during a short loan spell at Roma.
Star names like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham will be central to how the move is received.
Mbappe, once a fan of Mourinho’s Madrid, even liked a social media post about his possible return.
Mourinho drew criticism earlier this year for comments after Vinicius Jr alleged racist abuse in a Champions League match against Benfica.
While his words sparked backlash, sources close to Vinicius have indicated they would not oppose his appointment.
Contract talks with the forward remain stalled, adding another layer of uncertainty.
Style and tactics
Mourinho’s approach is well known: defensive solidity, direct attacks, and little concern for possession statistics.
Madrid’s recent Champions League successes under Ancelotti also relied on deep defending and counter‑attacks, so a back‑to‑basics style may suit parts of the squad.
The question is whether Mourinho’s methods can still deliver at the highest level, given his last league title came in 2016 and his last Champions League knockout win in 2014.
Read also: Perez’s Interest in Mourinho Signals Madrid’s Search for Stability
