Real Madrid have officially announced the return of José Mourinho as head coach, signing a three-year contract until June 2029. The 63-year-old Portuguese manager, who previously led the club from 2010 to 2013, will begin his second stint on July 13, when preseason starts.
Mourinho's appointment follows his departure from Benfica, where he finished the season unbeaten but in third place. Real Madrid paid €15 million (£13 million) to terminate his contract. He replaces Álvaro Arbeloa, who was not retained after a disappointing campaign.
Club president Florentino Pérez confirmed the decision, stating: 'The Board of Directors has agreed to appoint José Mourinho as first-team head coach for the next three seasons.' Mourinho's first spell at the Bernabéu yielded a La Liga title and a Copa del Rey.
Real Madrid endured a difficult season, losing the league to Barcelona, being eliminated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals, and suffering a shock Copa del Rey exit to second-tier Albacete. Mourinho is tasked with restoring the club's dominance.
Since his previous stint, Mourinho has managed Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, and Fenerbahçe. His return marks a sensational comeback to a club where he remains a polarising but successful figure.
