Jose Mourinho has emerged as the leading candidate to return as Real Madrid manager this summer, according to reports. The Benfica boss, who managed Los Blancos from 2010 to 2013, is reportedly backed by club president Florentino Perez to succeed the departing Alvaro Arbeloa. The Athletic reports that Perez is the main proponent of the reunion and will have the majority say in the appointment, despite some internal opposition at the Bernabeu.
Mourinho is under contract with Benfica for another year, but a specific clause is said to allow him to leave for Real Madrid. The Portuguese coach is understood to be interested in a sensational return to the Spanish capital. Other high-profile names, including Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Didier Deschamps, and Unai Emery, have been linked with the vacancy in recent weeks, but none have consolidated as a consensus choice like Mourinho has.
The potential move marks a significant shift in direction for Perez, who first appointed Mourinho in 2009 to challenge Pep Guardiola's dominant Barcelona. Their previous tenure together yielded a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Supercopa de España, but ended amid reported dressing room friction. A return would signal Perez's desire for a proven winner with a commanding personality to steer the club into a new era.
However, a Mourinho reappointment would not be without controversy. His most recent interaction with the club was fraught, following Benfica's Champions League tie against Real Madrid in February. After the match, which was marred by racist abuse from a Benfica supporter towards Vinicius Junior, Mourinho criticized the Brazilian forward's goal celebration, suggesting it had provoked the crowd. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois later described those comments as 'disappointing'.
Managing that relationship, should he take the job, would be an immediate challenge for Mourinho. His management style and his historical fallout with certain club legends during his first spell also remain points of discussion among the Madrid faithful. The reported internal split at the club reflects the polarizing nature of his candidacy, balancing his trophy-winning pedigree against potential dressing room discord.
For Mourinho, the move represents a chance to reclaim one of European football's most prestigious posts after rebuilding his reputation in Portugal. His potential arrival would undoubtedly reshape Real Madrid's transfer strategy and tactical approach, likely heralding a more pragmatic and defensively robust era compared to recent seasons. The final decision is expected after the season concludes, with Perez's preference now clear.
