Mourinho returns to Real Madrid
Real Madrid have officially announced the return of José Mourinho as head coach, marking his second spell at the Spanish giants 13 years after his departure.
The Portuguese manager has signed a three-year contract and will take charge when the club begins preseason preparations on July 13.
Mourinho previously coached Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning one La Liga title and one Copa del Rey. His first tenure was marked by both success and controversy, with his confrontational style dividing fans, players and the media.
Tasked with reviving struggling side
Mourinho returns to a club seeking to restore its dominance after failing to win a major trophy in the past two seasons despite the presence of star forward Kylian Mbappé.
Real Madrid changed coaches twice during the campaign, with Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa both leaving their posts amid a turbulent season that also saw internal tensions and criticism from supporters.
Club president Florentino Pérez, recently re-elected after calling early elections, backed Mourinho’s return as part of efforts to stabilize the club.
Veteran coach seeks fresh success
Mourinho, who rose to global prominence after leading Porto to the 2004 UEFA Champions League title, later enjoyed major success with Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
However, his career has been less decorated in recent years. Since leaving Manchester United in 2018, he has managed Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, Fenerbahçe and Benfica. His only trophy during that period was the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League title with Roma.
Now 63, Mourinho faces the challenge of rebuilding Real Madrid and closing the gap on rivals Barcelona, who have re-emerged as Spain’s dominant force led by rising star Lamine Yamal.
