Jose Mourinho is reportedly on the verge of returning to Real Madrid for a second spell as head coach after allegedly signing a contract running until 2029.
According to reports by The Athletic, Real Madrid are expected to officially unveil Mourinho following the club’s presidential elections on 7 June. Current president Florentino Perez, who is widely expected to retain his position, is believed to have led efforts to bring the veteran manager back to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Perez’s challenger, Enrique Riquelme, has reportedly stated that Mourinho would not be his preferred choice as head coach.
Mourinho is currently in charge of Benfica and recently acknowledged that discussions had taken place between Real Madrid and his agent, Jorge Mendes. Despite overseeing an unbeaten domestic league campaign during the 2025/26 season, Benfica finished third behind champions FC Porto and failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
The developments follow the departure of Alvaro Arbeloa, who succeeded Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid coach earlier this year. The Spanish giants have endured consecutive trophyless campaigns without winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey or the Champions League.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning one La Liga title, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de España during his first spell at the club.