Mourinho Real Madrid Return confirmed as Jose Mourinho agrees deal to replace Alvaro Arbeloa after Florentino Perez’s re-election

Florentino Pérez has paved the way for a sensational managerial return at Real Madrid after confirming that Jose Mourinho is set to take over as head coach following his re-election as club president over the weekend.

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Florentino Pérez, who secured another term in charge after defeating Enrique Riquelme, openly referenced the appointment of Jose Mourinho during his victory speech, signalling the club’s intent to bring the Portuguese manager back to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Mourinho Real Madrid Return was further strengthened by reports that the Benfica manager has already agreed a three-year contract to rejoin the Spanish giants, where he previously coached between 2010 and 2013.

“Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho,” Florentino Pérez said, in remarks widely interpreted as confirmation of the move.

Mourinho is expected to replace Álvaro Arbeloa, who was appointed on an interim basis in January following the departure of Xabi Alonso, marking another high-profile managerial change at the club.

During his first spell at Real Madrid, Mourinho delivered significant success, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de España, while also overseeing intense domestic battles with rivals Barcelona.

Portuguese manager currently leads Benfica, where his side went unbeaten in the Primeira Liga last season but finished third after drawing 11 of their 34 matches, a campaign that fell short of expectations.

As part of the broader managerial reshuffle, Benfica have reportedly reached an agreement with former Fulham boss Marco Silva, who is expected to replace Mourinho on a two-year deal.

The Mourinho Real Madrid Return has sparked widespread debate across European football, with observers questioning whether the 63-year-old can restore the club to consistent trophy-winning form after a relatively lean period by their standards.

Real Madrid’s most recent major success came in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in 2024, alongside their UEFA Super Cup and UEFA Champions League triumphs in the same period, but expectations remain high at the Spanish giants.

Speaking to DAILY POST, Lagos-based journalist Femi Fabunmi described Mourinho as the right figure to steady the club, praising his experience and familiarity with the demands of the Bernabéu.

“He can’t afford to do anything less than the bar at Real Madrid,” Fabunmi said.

“He can steady the ship and take the club to a greater height. I trust him to deliver.”

However, Dawaki Rangers head coach Audu Ojo warned that squad management and player dynamics would be key to Mourinho’s success, suggesting the need for careful handling of star players.

“Yes, he is capable of achieving great things at Real Madrid,” Ojo said. “But he will need to manage big personalities within the squad.”

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As anticipation builds, the Mourinho Real Madrid Return is set to become one of the most closely watched managerial appointments in European football this summer.