Sami Khedira will rejoin Real Madrid as an assistant coach under José Mourinho, beginning in July 2026, according to reports confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.
The 37-year-old former Germany international will take on his first senior bench role, forming part of Mourinho’s newly assembled backroom staff. This appointment aligns with Mourinho’s strategy of building a team that includes individuals with strong ties to the club.
Khedira’s position will extend beyond tactical support, functioning as a liaison between the players, coaching staff, and club hierarchy. His multilingual abilities and status as a World Cup winner were key factors in his selection for this bridging role, as reported by Romano.
The Athletic and Spanish news outlets indicate that Khedira was chosen over former teammate Pepe, who was also under consideration. Mourinho personally advocated for Khedira’s inclusion, alongside fellow additions João Tralhão, Pedro Machado, António Dias, Roberto Merella, and Nuno Santos.
Khedira previously played for Real Madrid from 2010 to 2015, arriving from VfB Stuttgart during Mourinho’s initial tenure. He won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa during his time at the Bernabéu before departing for Juventus on a free transfer in 2015. Marca has drawn parallels between Khedira’s appointment and that of Aitor Karanka during Mourinho’s first spell, positioning him as a cultural and institutional anchor within a predominantly Portuguese coaching team.
Since retiring in 2021, Khedira has worked as a television pundit and participated in FIFA developmental projects. He has also obtained coaching qualifications, which the club believes provide a solid foundation for a high-responsibility staff position. Khedira is expected to begin pre-season training with the team in early July 2026.
Real Madrid is anticipated to formally present the full staff structure before the 2026–27 season, with attention then shifting to how Mourinho’s transfer targets will integrate with the existing squad under the guidance of his new coaching team.
