José Mourinho is leaving Benfica to take over at Real Madrid. The Lisbon club officially announced the end of his tenure as manager after Real Madrid confirmed their intention to pay the €15 million release clause in the Portuguese coach's contract. Mourinho agreed to the move, removing the final contractual obstacle between the two clubs. While Mourinho was still under contract with Benfica, the payment of the release clause allows Real Madrid to secure his return.
A €15 million coaching transfer
The deal is worth €15 million. This amount corresponds to the clause stipulated in José Mourinho's employment contract with Benfica. For the Portuguese club, it represents a compensated departure. For Real Madrid, it's a direct investment to install a coach already familiar to the club. This transfer was contingent on the outcome of the Real Madrid presidential election. Florentino Pérez's victory paved the way for the activation of the planned strategy: bringing Mourinho back to Madrid.
Pérez re-elected, Mourinho expected
Florentino Pérez has been re-elected president of Real Madrid until 2030. His candidacy garnered 21,741 votes, or 65% of the total, compared to 11,814 votes for Enrique Riquelme. This re-election provides a clear political framework for Mourinho's return. Pérez had placed the Portuguese manager at the heart of his sporting project. With his victory, Real Madrid can now move forward with the appointment of the club's former coach.
Thirteen years later, the return to the Bernabéu
José Mourinho is preparing to return to a bench he already knows well. He managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, a period marked by a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup. Real Madrid wants to begin a new chapter with an experienced coach, accustomed to large dressing rooms and the immediate pressure of top-level football.
Benfica quickly turns the page
Benfica wasted no time in making the next move. Just minutes after announcing Mourinho's departure, the club officially announced the arrival of Marco Silva. The former Fulham manager has signed a two-year contract, with an option for a third year. He thus directly succeeds Mourinho and will be responsible for preparing the Lisbon club for the upcoming season.
