José Mourinho is set to return to Real Madrid as manager, with Benfica confirming the agreement on Tuesday evening. The Portuguese club announced that Real Madrid has triggered Mourinho’s release clause, amounting to €15 million, and that the manager has given his consent to the move. Benfica released a brief statement thanking Mourinho for his service.
This move comes following the re-election of Florentino Pérez as president of Real Madrid, a scenario which had long been anticipated to trigger Mourinho’s return. Benfica had previously acknowledged that the Spanish club would activate the release clause should Pérez win the election. The announcement follows Real Madrid’s earlier confirmation of Álvaro Arbeloa’s departure.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, achieving significant success including a La Liga title in 2012 and a Copa del Rey victory. He left the club under somewhat strained circumstances, but his track record and experience have clearly made him a desirable candidate for Pérez once again. His time at Benfica was relatively short, but he is credited with stabilising the club and implementing a clear tactical approach.
Alongside the confirmation of Mourinho’s departure, Benfica also announced the appointment of Marco Silva as their new manager. Silva has signed a two-year contract with an option to extend until the 2028-2029 season. This swift action by Benfica demonstrates their intent to move forward quickly following Mourinho’s exit and secure a capable replacement. The appointment of Silva suggests a desire for a more long-term project focused on developing a consistent playing style.
Real Madrid is expected to release a formal statement confirming Mourinho’s arrival in the coming hours. The return of the experienced manager is anticipated to bring a renewed sense of ambition and tactical direction to the club as they look to compete both domestically and in Europe.
