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Jose Mourinho nears sensational return as Real Madrid’s new manager
16th May, 2026 07:36 AM
José Mourinho’s comeback to Real Madrid appears increasingly inevitable, with the Portuguese tactician now emerging as the overwhelming favorite to assume charge of the club.
Unless there is an unexpected late twist, something not currently foreseen, Mourinho is expected to replace Álvaro Arbeloa and become the fourth individual to lead the senior side within a single year, after Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, and Alvaro Arbeloa.
At this stage, according to Marca, Mourinho, currently at Benfica, is viewed as the standout option for the role. Although Mauricio Pochettino and Didier Deschamps had previously been linked with the position, recent incidents within the Madrid camp, including the reported confrontation involving Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde, as well as Kylian Mbappé’s angry reaction toward Arbeloa following the clash with Oviedo, have strengthened the belief that Mourinho is the ideal figure to steady the situation. Many within the club reportedly see him as the man best suited to calm what has become a tense and unstable dressing room environment.
Election process
The presidential election procedure initiated by Florentino Pérez after his fiery press briefing earlier this week is not expected to affect Mourinho’s anticipated return to the Santiago Bernabéu. The Portuguese manager is likely to officially arrive after Madrid conclude their campaign on May 23. According to club regulations, the club’s bylaws safeguard the normal functioning of the organization throughout electoral periods, including the ongoing process that could continue over the next fortnight if another candidate decides to challenge the current president.
Florentino Pérez also appeared to hint at Mourinho’s return during an interview with La Sexta, where he praised the former manager’s earlier spell at the club. “He was already here and raised our level,” Pérez remarked, notably making Mourinho the only coach he specifically referenced during the interview. Many at Madrid believe Mourinho’s first tenure between 2010 and 2013 laid the groundwork for the club’s later dominance in Europe, which included four UEFA Champions League titles in five seasons from 2014 to 2018.
Final arrangements
Any remaining formalities surrounding Mourinho’s exit from Benfica, including the reported three-million-euro compensation fee, are not considered major obstacles by Madrid officials, who have long felt the situation would be straightforward to resolve.
Attention will then turn toward reshaping the squad, with departures and new signings expected to dominate discussions in the coming months. Mourinho is also expected to play an influential role in those decisions, meaning it will be a long summer at Valdebebas before preparations for the new era are fully complete.
