José Mourinho returns to Real Madrid on three-year deal

José Mourinho returns to Real Madrid, signing a three‑year contract. He will join the squad on 13 July, succeeding interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa. President Florentino Pérez had pledged to bring Mourinho back after being re‑elected. Mourinho leaves Benfica, where his contract extended to mid‑2027. Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013. That spell yielded one Spanish league title, one Spanish cup and one Spanish Super Cup. Barcelona, then coached by Pep Guardiola, were the dominant rival. Mourinho won the Champions League with FC Porto in 2004 and with Internazionale in 2010. He guided Manchester United to a 2017 Europa League triumph over Ajax. Five years later he reached the Conference League final with AS Roma against Feyenoord. Real Madrid entered the summer after a turbulent campaign. Alvaro Arbeloa took charge in January after Xabi Alonso was dismissed for poor results. Under Arbeloa the club fell to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter‑finals. Barcelona claimed the Spanish league title, and the squad experienced frequent unrest. Mourinho’s appointment offers Real Madrid a fresh start as they seek stability.