The outgoing president of Real Madrid made José Mourinho one of his campaign promises. The Portuguese manager is expected to take over as first-team coach if Florentino Pérez wins the election on Sunday, June 7.
A "yes" that leaves no room for doubt
Florentino Pérez announced on Wednesday, June 3, that José Mourinho would become Real Madrid's next manager if he wins the club's presidential election. The announcement was made on his campaign's social media channels, in a short video where the Portuguese manager appears dressed in Real Madrid colors and simply replies, "Yes." However, the return is not yet official. It remains contingent on the outcome of the members' vote, scheduled for June 7 between 9 a.m. and 20 p.m. at Real Madrid City.
Mourinho, the central promise of the campaign
Real Madrid is holding its first contested presidential election in 20 years. Two candidacies have been validated: that of Florentino Pérez, the incumbent president, and that of businessman Enrique Riquelme. Pérez called the elections in May and announced that he would seek another term with his current management team. By revealing Mourinho's name four days before the vote, he has placed the question of the coach directly at the heart of the choice presented to the club members.
The announcement was made while Enrique Riquelme was participating in the Spanish show. The AnthillThe rival candidate presented Rodri as his first signing in the event of victory, mentioned Erling Haaland among his targets and announced his intention to entrust a sporting director role to Raúl.
Thirteen years later, the return of the Special One is becoming clearer.
José Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013. In three seasons, he oversaw 178 matches and won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. His team notably secured the 2011-2012 league title with a record points total. The Portuguese manager left Madrid at the end of the 2012-2013 season. His return would therefore mark his second stint at the helm of the Merengues, more than 13 years after his departure.
Since his first experience in Madrid, Mourinho has managed Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, AS Roma, Fenerbahçe, and Benfica. He notably won the Europa League and the League Cup with Manchester United, and then the Europa Conference League with Roma.
An arrival still contingent on Benfica's situation
Mourinho is currently under contract with Benfica until June 2027. The Portuguese club appointed him in September 2025, marking his return twenty-five years after his first stint in Lisbon. Pérez's announcement therefore does not yet resolve the contractual terms of his departure from Benfica. No appointment at Real Madrid can be considered final until the potential victory of the outgoing president and the resolution of the manager's situation with his current club.
