**Jose Mourinho Named Real Madrid Coach on Three-Year Deal**
Real Madrid has officially announced the appointment of Jose Mourinho as their new manager on a three-year contract, marking the Portuguese coach's return to the club after a 13-year absence. The announcement was made in a statement from the La Liga club on June 11, 2026, confirming that Mourinho will take charge starting July 13, coinciding with the beginning of the preseason.
Mourinho's return comes on the heels of Real Madrid President Florentino Perez's recent re-election, which paved the way for the coach's comeback to the Spanish capital. The 63-year-old tactician is leaving his position at Benfica in the Portuguese Primeira Liga to rejoin the ranks of the Spanish giants.
During his previous tenure at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, Mourinho achieved significant success, including a record-breaking La Liga title in 2012, a Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. His time at the club was characterized by intense competition with Barcelona, particularly under the management of Pep Guardiola.
Mourinho replaces Alvaro Arbeloa, who has been at the helm during a disappointing period for the club. Real Madrid's recent domestic campaign ended in disappointment, with Barcelona clinching the La Liga title after a decisive 2-0 victory in an "El Clasico" match earlier this month. This result marked a historic moment, as it was the first time in 94 years that the Spanish league title was determined by a match between the two fierce rivals.
The appointment of Mourinho comes as Real Madrid seeks to rebound from a season without major trophies, having failed to progress beyond the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League in the last two seasons. Perez expressed the need for change in his victory speech following his re-election, stating, "We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles," and emphasized the importance of pride in the club's history and its stadium, the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mourinho's return is seen as a gamble by Perez, as the club aims to reclaim its status among Europe's elite. The president expressed confidence in Mourinho's ability to lead the team back to glory, stating, "Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho."
As Mourinho prepares to take the reins once again, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he navigates the challenges ahead and whether he can restore Real Madrid to its former glory. The club, which boasts a record 15 Champions League titles, is determined to pursue its 16th European Cup under Mourinho's leadership.