Real Madrid has officially announced the return of Jose Mourinho as head coach, bringing the Portuguese manager back to the Santiago Bernabeu for a second spell more than a decade after his first tenure ended.
The Spanish giants confirmed the appointment in an official statement released early Friday, saying Mourinho had signed a three-year contract that will keep him at the club through June 30, 2029.
“The Board of Directors of Real Madrid C.F., which met today, Thursday, June 11, under the chairmanship of Florentino Perez, has approved the appointment of Jose Mourinho as head coach of the first team for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2029,” the club said.
“Jose Mourinho will join Real Madrid on July 13, the first day of preseason.”
Mourinho’s appointment marks one of the biggest managerial moves of the summer transfer window as Madrid turns once again to one of the most accomplished coaches in modern football.
The 63-year-old returns to the club after leaving in 2013, ending a 13-year absence from the Spanish capital.
According to Sports Illustrated, Real Madrid agreed to pay approximately £13 million ($17.6 million) in compensation to Benfica to secure Mourinho’s early release from his contract with the Portuguese club.
The reported payment underscores Madrid’s determination to bring Mourinho back despite his existing contractual commitments.
Since leaving Real Madrid following the 2012-13 season, Mourinho has managed several of Europe’s most prominent clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, Fenerbahce and, most recently, Benfica.
His second spell at the Bernabeu comes with heightened expectations as Madrid seeks to build another championship-winning squad capable of competing for both domestic and European honors.
During his first stint with Los Blancos from 2010 to 2013, Mourinho helped restore Real Madrid as a major force in Spanish football after years of Barcelona dominance.
Under his leadership, Madrid captured the 2011 Copa del Rey before winning the 2011-12 La Liga title with a then-record 100 points and 121 league goals. The club also lifted the 2012 Spanish Super Cup, giving Mourinho three major domestic trophies during his first tenure.
Beyond the silverware, Mourinho was widely credited with instilling a more competitive mentality and laying the foundation for the club’s later era of European success.
Now returning with decades of additional experience and a career that has included league titles and continental trophies across several countries, Mourinho faces the challenge of guiding Real Madrid through a new chapter while meeting the lofty expectations that accompany one of the world’s most successful football clubs.
His appointment signals Madrid’s belief that one of football’s most decorated managers remains capable of delivering success at the highest level as the club prepares for another campaign chasing La Liga and UEFA Champions League glory.
