Mourinho set for Real Madrid return as Florentino Perez wins election
By Luke Oluoch, June 8, 2026José Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid now appears a matter of when, after Florentino Pérez was re-elected as president in the club election held on Sunday, May 7, 2026, at the Bernabéu Stadium.
The 79-year-old executive successfully defended his seat, sealing an eighth term in the role and extending his impressive tenure at the helm of the Spanish giant club.
He garnered over 21,000 votes cast, translating to 65 per cent of the total cast votes in comparison to Enrique Riquelme’s 35 per cent.
Under Perez’s tenure, which kicked off in 2009, Madrid has won seven of a record 15 European titles, seven Liga titles and three Copa del Reys.
The executive had already made the intention to name Mourinho as head coach and reaffirmed his ambition in his speech after seeing off the challenge of Riquelme.
Here to defend Madrid
In quotes on the club’s official website, Perez said: “We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles.
“I am still here, and I am here to defend Real Madrid.
“We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles, and we will fight until the end to achieve the 16th European Cup.
Special One returns
“We will continue to take pride in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the best stadium in the world.
“Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho. And rest assured, with me as president, Real Madrid has been, is, and will always remain owned by its members.”
Mourinho managed Madrid between 2010 and 2013, guiding the club to numerous pieces of silverware before his acrimonious exit three years later.
He won La Liga and the Copa del Rey during his first spell in the Spanish capital but has not won a domestic league title since leading Chelsea to the Premier League in 2014-15.