Speculation over a potential comeback for José Mourinho as Real Madrid’s head coach is intensifying. According to a report from The Athletic, the struggling Spanish record champions have entered talks with the 63-year-old’s agent. The driving force behind Real’s renewed pursuit of the Portuguese is believed to be club president Florentino Pérez.
Mourinho’s record at Real Madrid across all seasons and competitions: 178 matches, 127 wins, 28 draws, 23 losses.
The report states that Mourinho’s current contract with Benfica Lisbon runs until mid-2027 but includes a release clause allowing either party to terminate the deal up to ten days after the final game of this season. Real Madrid would need to pay around €3 million to secure the star coach. However, no direct negotiations between the two clubs have taken place so far, and Mourinho himself has recently denied having personal discussions with Real.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013 and remains on friendly terms with President Pérez. Spanish media have reported that the club boss already made a video offer to the Portuguese, but Mourinho has set conditions for a return to Madrid—chief among them demanding full control over all personnel decisions.
Real Madrid are currently searching for a successor to underperforming head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso earlier this year. Since Arbeloa took over, the team has suffered a series of setbacks and is likely to finish the season without a trophy. “All roads at Real Madrid lead to Mourinho,” wrote Spanish newspaper Marca. Nevertheless, the veteran is not the only candidate, even if he is currently the clear favorite.
Other coaching candidates for Real Madrid: The club is looking for a personality who can handle delicate situations—someone like Mourinho. US national team coach Mauricio Pochettino is also highly regarded by Pérez. Jürgen Klopp, however, has never been a serious option, while Zinédine Zidane is expected to become the next France national team coach, succeeding Didier Deschamps after the World Cup. Deschamps could also still feature in Real’s considerations. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is another name mentioned, but his lack of club-level experience works against him.
The Athletic also lists Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri as a well-regarded alternative. It is clear that Real Madrid do not want to wait much longer. “As soon as a trophy-less season is officially confirmed, the machinery will be set in motion,” reports Marca.
