News Focus
- Jose Mourinho will become the new head coach at Real Madrid following Florentino Perez’s victory in the presidential election
- Perez won 65 per cent of votes to extend his presidency at the Spanish club until 2030
- Mourinho signed a three-year contract last month that was conditional on Perez remaining in office
- The Portuguese manager is leaving Benfica to replace interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa
- Mourinho previously coached Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning the league title and domestic cups
Jose Mourinho is set to make a dramatic return to Real Madrid. The move was confirmed after Florentino Perez won the club’s presidential election.
Perez will stay in charge at the Bernabeu until 2030. The 79-year-old secured 65 per cent of the vote to defeat his challenger. This marked the first contested election for the position in 20 years.
Businessman Enrique Riquelme stood against Perez but managed only 35 per cent of the ballot. The incumbent president won all postal and in-person votes counted. He received 21,741 votes compared to Riquelme’s 11,814.
Mourinho put pen to paper on a three-year deal last month. However, the agreement only became valid if Perez kept his position. The 63-year-old is now departing his role at Benfica. He led the Portuguese side to third place in the Primeira Liga after joining them in September.
This will be Mourinho’s second spell in charge of the Spanish giants. He previously managed the team between 2010 and 2013. During that period he lifted the La Liga trophy, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
Perez addressed the media at a special press conference following his victory. He spoke about his plans to bring more success to the club. He also confirmed that Mourinho would take over as head coach.
“We are proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world,” said Perez. “Jose Mourinho is a true Madridista.”
The appointment means Mourinho will replace Alvaro Arbeloa. The former defender became interim manager in January following Xabi Alonso’s departure.
Real Madrid ended the 2025-26 campaign without any silverware. Their city rivals Barcelona clinched the La Liga title after a 2-0 victory in El Clasico.
The club operates under a unique ownership model. Real Madrid is owned entirely by its members, who elect the president to lead the organisation.