Jose Mourinho Emerges as Florentino Perez’s Preferred Candidate for Real Madrid

One of the biggest managerial stories of the summer is taking shape at the Santiago Bernabeu. Jose Mourinho is the top choice of president Florentino Perez to replace Alvaro Arbeloa as Real Madrid’s next manager, The Athletic have confirmed. The news marks a sensational potential return for the Portuguese tactician, who last managed the club over a decade ago.

Why Arbeloa Is Leaving

Arbeloa was appointed head coach in January 2026 following the sacking of Xabi Alonso, but he has struggled to turn the team around. Arbeloa, who took over in January to replace the sacked Xabi Alonso, is expected to be dismissed in June, after a season in which Real Madrid are preparing to go blank without La Liga, Champions League or Copa del Rey for the second year running. 

Perez is said to want to rebuild a project that has “fallen into disrepair,” with Madrid set to end the season without a major trophy for the second year running — the first time this has happened in more than 15 years.

Perez Leading the Process Personally

What makes this managerial search different from recent appointments is who is driving it. According to reporters Mario Cortegana and David Ornstein, the decision over Real Madrid’s next head coach is being driven by Perez, and the club president is now the “main supporter” of bringing back Mourinho. When Los Blancos hired Xabi Alonso as manager last summer, the process was led by general manager Jose Angel Sanchez. But now the president himself wants to lead, and he is the main supporter of bringing back Mourinho.

Mourinho’s Current Situation at Benfica

Mourinho currently coaches Benfica, where he has remained undefeated in the league since being appointed in September and his contract — valid until 2027 — is understood to have a clause of €3 million that allows either party to break it. It will require a fee in the region of €3 million to prise Mourinho from the Portuguese capital as his contract runs until June 2027, but includes a break clause if triggered within 10 days of the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho appears set to finish the campaign trophy-less at Benfica, even though the Eagles remain unbeaten in the league. Nevertheless, they trail FC Porto by six points.

Mourinho’s First Stint at Madrid (2010-2013)

During his first stint in Spain, Mourinho famously broke the dominance of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, clinching the 2011-12 La Liga title with a record-breaking 100 points and 121 goals. His tenure was defined by a fierce, counter-attacking style and a mental resilience that saw Madrid reach three consecutive Champions League semi-finals. Despite a controversial exit in 2013, many supporters view his era as a turning point that restored Madrid’s status as a global powerhouse.

Internal Opposition

Despite Perez’s strong backing, the appointment is far from unanimous. Despite Pérez’s support, Mourinho’s option does not have a consensus within Real Madrid’s management, as some parties express reservations due to his controversial personality and his previous experience that witnessed tensions within the locker room, most notably his famous conflict with former goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

The Portuguese has managed some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Inter Milan. But he has a confrontational approach to management, and that’s why some within the Spanish club are opposed to his return.

Mbappe Backs the Idea

Recent reports have suggested Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe would prefer Mourinho to join than Klopp. Perez has the final say, and this means the Portuguese icon is a “strong contender.”

Other Candidates in the Frame

Real Madrid is considering a number of other options alongside Mourinho, including Mauricio Pochettino, Didier Deschamps, and Jürgen Klopp, as the management searches for a coach capable of leading a new phase within the royal club.

Jurgen Klopp is no longer the frontrunner to replace Alvaro Arbeloa as Real Madrid boss, as David Ornstein has confirmed Jose Mourinho is now a serious candidate.

The Vinicius Controversy

The Portuguese coach attracted criticism after suggesting that Vinicius Junior instigated an incident which saw the Real Madrid star accuse Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse earlier this season. 

Mourinho later said he is “completely opposed to any kind of discrimination,” while Prestianni has since been handed a six-game ban for homophobic conduct.

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