Image Credits: Imago Images
Jose Mourinho has officially been appointed Real Madrid head coach, replacing former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, who only took charge in January following Xabi Alonso’s departure as boss.
Real Madrid ended the 2025–26 campaign without silverware, as rivals Barcelona secured the La Liga title following a 2-0 El Clasico victory.
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Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, where he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
The 63-year-old has signed a three-year deal with Real Madrid. He will officially join the club on July 13, in time for the start of pre-season.
A club statement read: “The Board of Directors of Real Madrid C.F., meeting today, Thursday, June 11, and presided over by Florentino Pérez, has agreed to appoint José Mourinho as the first team’s head coach for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2029. José Mourinho will join Real Madrid on July 13, the day preseason begins.”
Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid with the task of restoring success after back-to-back trophyless seasons under Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.
Since his previous spell at the Bernabéu, Mourinho has managed Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, AS Roma, Fenerbahce and Benfica.
It has now been four years since his last trophy – the UEFA Europa Conference League with Roma – and over a decade since his last league title, the 2015 Premier League with Chelsea.
At Benfica, he went unbeaten in the league last season but finished third behind Porto and Sporting. His Benfica side were also eliminated by Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout phase playoffs.
Meanwhile, Fulham have held talks with Alvaro Arbeloa over the possibility of him replacing Marco Silva. Silva left Craven Cottage after five years at the end of the season and has since been announced as Mourinho’s successor at Benfica.
The 43-year-old’s six-month spell at Santiago Bernabeu ended on Tuesday. Fulham are continuing their search for a new head coach following Silva’s departure earlier this month. Arbeloa is a former Liverpool and West Ham United defender, and also played for Deportivo La Coruna in Spain.