José Mourinho is reportedly in advanced talks to become the next head coach of Real Madrid, marking a sensational return to the Santiago Bernabéu 13 years after his first spell at the club.
The 63-year-old Portuguese manager has emerged as the leading — and currently the only — candidate being considered by Real Madrid. If appointed, Mourinho would replace Álvaro Arbeloa, who took charge in January after Xabi Alonso left the club.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez reportedly began exploring the possibility of Mourinho’s return shortly after Alonso’s departure, holding early discussions with the coach’s representatives.
Mourinho is currently managing Benfica after signing a two-year contract with the Portuguese side last September. Speaking recently, he avoided discussing his future before Benfica’s final match of the season against Estoril Praia.
“There’s still a game to play against Estoril. From Monday onward, I’ll be able to speak about my future and Benfica’s plans,” Mourinho said.
Saturday’s match is Benfica’s final fixture of the campaign, after which Real Madrid could trigger a release clause reportedly worth €3 million (£2.6m).
Mourinho previously coached Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during his time in Spain.
After leaving Madrid, he returned to Chelsea for a second spell, winning another Premier League title and the EFL Cup in the 2014-15 season.
He later managed Manchester United, guiding the club to victory in the Europa League, EFL Cup and Community Shield before being dismissed in 2018. Mourinho also had managerial spells with Tottenham Hotspur, AS Roma — where he won the Europa Conference League in 2022 — and Fenerbahçe before returning to Portugal with Benfica.
Real Madrid’s interest in Mourinho comes after a disappointing 2025-26 season in which the club failed to win a trophy. Rivals FC Barcelona secured the La Liga title with a 2-0 El Clasico victory, finishing 14 points ahead of Madrid.
The Spanish giants also suffered a painful exit from the UEFA Champions League after losing 6-4 on aggregate to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.
Off the field, tensions within the squad have further increased pressure on the club. Midfielders Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde were recently fined a combined €1 million following a dressing-room dispute, while reports of internal disagreements involving defenders and growing criticism surrounding Kylian Mbappé have added to the unrest.
With the dressing room reportedly divided, Real Madrid are believed to be searching for a strong personality capable of restoring discipline, unity and confidence within the squad.
Mourinho’s reputation as a commanding leader and experienced winner is seen as a major reason behind the club’s interest. The Portuguese coach is expected to bring authority, tactical discipline and a winning mentality back to a team that has struggled both on and off the pitch this season.
However, expectations will be enormous. Real Madrid are facing the possibility of a second consecutive trophyless campaign — an unacceptable situation by the club’s standards — and Mourinho would be under immediate pressure to restore domestic and European success.
