The Special One Is Back! Jose Mourinho Agrees All Terms For A Sensational Return To Real Madrid
Thirteen years after leaving the Santiago Bernabéu, Jose Mourinho is coming home — and this time, he arrives as the man tasked with rebuilding one of the greatest clubs in football history.
The Agreement Is Done
Jose Mourinho has already accepted every condition required to return to Real Madrid. There are no longer any major obstacles standing between Mourinho and a second spell in charge of the club. The Portuguese coach is said to be fully convinced by the project presented to him and is highly motivated by the possibility of returning to the club where he once transformed the mentality of an entire generation. The agreement is complete in principle, with only the final signatures still pending, and Mourinho is expected to sign a two-year deal running until 2028.
Florentino Perez — The Driving Force
Club president Florentino Perez is understood to have been the driving force behind the reunion, having first considered the possibility two days after Xabi Alonso left. Mourinho is currently the clear favourite and the only candidate the club are in talks with over the role.
The club’s management, having taken stock of the situation following Kylian Mbappé’s harsh comments directed at Arbeloa, concluded that Mourinho is the only candidate capable of restoring order — with comparisons being drawn to Carlo Ancelotti’s revival following his spell at Everton. The official announcement is expected to be made on May 23.
Why Real Madrid Need Mourinho
Real Madrid have endured a disastrous 2025/26 campaign, with chaos on and off the field in their second straight season without winning a major trophy. Both Arbeloa and his predecessor Xabi Alonso struggled to maintain control of a fractured dressing room, so it makes sense that Florentino Perez has moved to bring Mourinho back — because he will at least demand respect from Real Madrid’s players as they look to get back on track.
His First Transfer Target Is Already Identified
Mourinho and Perez are in agreement that Manchester City midfielder Rodri is the key piece Real Madrid need to rebuild their midfield. Both firmly believe Real Madrid never truly replaced the influence, control and leadership once provided by Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, and Rodri has emerged as a priority target.
Real Madrid have agreed that Mourinho will be given greater involvement in player decisions than previous head coaches, though Perez and the club’s hierarchy will still retain overall control of recruitment strategy.
The Bernabéu Dressing Room Awaits
Mourinho will inherit a squad facing significant changes, with the imminent departures of Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba — all set to leave as free agents. He will also be expected to get the best out of Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, while playing a key role in the development of youngsters such as Arda Güler, Franco Mastantuono and the returning Nico Paz.
Benfica Exit Clause
Real Madrid have until May 26 to activate the exit clause in Mourinho’s contract that would allow him to leave Benfica for a fixed fee of €3 million. No major complications are expected between the clubs, with the expectation that Benfica will not stand in the way.
The Legacy Returns
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, guiding them to a La Liga title with a record points tally, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup. Now, with Real Madrid desperate to reclaim their throne, the man who once made the Bernabéu believe again is returning for one final conquest.
The Special One is back. Real Madrid’s rebuild starts now.