Real Madrid presents José Mourinho as head coach – three-year contract until 2029
Madrid, June 15, 2026
Zafer / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
Summary
Real Madrid has officially confirmed the return of José Mourinho as head coach. The 63-year-old Portuguese has been given a three-year contract and is taking on his second tenure with the Spanish football record champions.
Madrid, June 15, 2026
The Spanish football record champions Real Madrid have officially confirmed the signing of José Mourinho as new head coach and have equipped the 63-year-old Portuguese with a three-year contract.
Mourinho's second tenure in Madrid
As the club announced on Thursday, José Mourinho is returning to Real Madrid as head coach. The 63-year-old Portuguese is to receive a three-year contract and is thus beginning his second tenure with the Royals. The official confirmation came via a club announcement distributed through the dpa news channel.
Mourinho had already coached the Madrid side between 2010 and 2013, leaving a sporting mark during that time. In that period, "The Special One" won the Spanish Cup in 2011 and the league title in 2012. These achievements form the historical reference point for the renewed collaboration with the Spanish football record champions Real Madrid.
Background: The first tenure 2010 to 2013
Mourinho's reappointment is being communicated by the club as a deliberate decision in favor of a coach with international experience. The Portuguese is regarded as one of the most high-profile football managers in Europe and brings experience from several top European leagues. His return is also clearly intended to signal continuity at the top level of the game.
After his first stint at Real, Mourinho's career path took him through several stations, including Fenerbahçe Istanbul. Over the next three years, he is now to take charge of the Madrid side's sporting development and build on past successes. The contract is set to run for three years.
Club strategy and sporting direction
Sources close to the club said the personnel decision is part of a broader sporting restructuring. Alongside the appointment of Mourinho, adjustments to the squad and coaching staff are reportedly also on the table. Concrete details have not yet been officially confirmed.
Mourinho himself has not yet publicly commented on his return to Madrid. The official presentation of the new head coach is expected in the coming days. The Portuguese football manager thus succeeds the club's previous sporting leadership and takes on responsibility for the coming season.
The timing of the contract signing falls within the pre-season phase, when clubs typically finalize their squad planning. Real Madrid reportedly plans to begin preparation for the upcoming season early with Mourinho. The three-year contract is therefore set to run until 2029.
For the club's supporters, Mourinho's return means the return of a familiar face. During his first tenure between 2010 and 2013, he shaped the team and won national titles. Whether he can achieve similar success this time will become clear over the next three years.
Stations of an international coaching career
With the appointment, the club is also responding to the sporting challenges of recent seasons. After inconsistent results, those responsible reportedly opted for a coach who brings experience with clubs at the highest European level. Mourinho is regarded as an expert in leading top sides.
In his coaching career, Mourinho has worked for clubs including Benfica Lisbon, FC Porto, Chelsea FC, Inter Milan, and Fenerbahçe Istanbul. In several countries, he has won domestic league titles and international cups. This track record makes him, for the Spanish record champions, a candidate who underlines the club's ambitions.
The Spanish football record champions Real Madrid play in the top tier of Spanish football, La Liga, and are among the most successful clubs in Europe. With numerous domestic and international titles, the club is one of the leading addresses in world football. The appointment of Mourinho fits into the tradition of prominent coaching figures.
Reactions in the Spanish media to the announcement were cautiously optimistic. While some observers pointed to the Portuguese's discipline and tactical ability, others stressed the challenges associated with the return of a former successful coach. An initial statement from the club's circle is expected shortly.
Outlook on the coming season
With an eye on the coming season, the focus for Real Madrid lies not only on league action but also on the European competitions. The club is one of the participants in the UEFA Champions League and pursues the goal of once again playing a leading role internationally. Mourinho is attributed a central importance in this task.
The now 63-year-old Portuguese has been given a three-year contract, as stated in the official club announcement. Real Madrid is thus banking on long-term continuity on the touchline and intends to shape the next chapter of the club's history with the experienced coach. The formal contract signing is considered complete.
Further personnel decisions are likely to follow in the coming weeks, including possible signings on the player side. Even now, Mourinho's return is considered one of the dominant topics in international football coverage this summer. The Spanish football record champions Real Madrid are thereby clearly positioning themselves for the years ahead.
Photo material and source situation
Photo and image material on the announcement was distributed via dpa-infocom under reference number 260611-99-705640/1. The news item is officially categorized under the topic of football.
Mourinho's appointment is part of the overarching club strategy of securing sporting stability and competitiveness. In the coming days, an official press conference is expected at which the Portuguese coach will address the public for the first time in his new, or rather old, role. The Spanish football record champions Real Madrid are thus looking ahead to a new era on the touchline.
Mourinho's reputation as "The Special One" dates back to his first major coaching position at various top European clubs. His particular ability to bring teams up to competitive level in a short space of time made him internationally known. The Madrid side are banking on these qualities taking effect in the current squad as well.
Questions & Answers
Who is José Mourinho?
José Mourinho is a 63-year-old Portuguese football coach who, according to Real Madrid, is receiving a three-year contract as head coach. He previously coached the Madrid side between 2010 and 2013, winning the Spanish Cup in 2011 and the league title in 2012.
How long does the new contract with Mourinho run?
Real Madrid has given the 63-year-old Portuguese a three-year contract, as stated in the official club announcement. The term is thus set at three years.
Which titles did Mourinho win during his first Real tenure?
During his first tenure at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, Mourinho won the Spanish Cup in 2011 and the Spanish league title in 2012 with the Spanish football record champions Real Madrid.
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