Real Madrid bringing back Jose Mourinho

Monday, 18 May 2026 21:13

By Field Level Media/ Reuters

Jose Mourinho has agreed to a two-year deal to return as head coach at Real Madrid, ESPN reported on Monday.

Mourinho, 63, has informed Portugal's Benfica, his current club, that he is leaving, as per the report.

He looks set to replace Alvaro Arbeloa, who took over in January as the interim coach after the club fired Xabi Alonso.

Real Madrid endured a second straight season without a major trophy this year, losing to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal.

With one La Liga match remaining, Real Madrid are 11 points behind the champions, rival Barcelona.

Mourinho managed Real Madrid from 2010-13, winning one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey and one Supercopa de Espana during that stretch.

He was under contract through 2027 at Benfica, which will receive $8 million in compensation, according to ESPN.

More from Sports News

UEFA, AFC, CONCACAF hit out at Infantino over World Cup stake sale

European football's governing body UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF issued an open letter on Monday attacking FIFA chief Gianni Infantino's conduct during the proposed sale of a stake in World Cup commercial rights.
Malawi book first-ever place at Women's World Cup

Malawi has continued its fairytale debut at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, coming from behind to beat Ghana 2-1 in Sunday’s last quarter-final, which also secured them a spot in the World Cup for the first time.
All Blacks lose Proctor to fractured shoulder on South Africa tour

New Zealand centre Billy Proctor will return home from his side's tour of South Africa after scans revealed a fractured shoulder sustained in the 38-21 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town on Friday.
Sinner withdraws from Cincinnati Open with knee injury

World number one Jannik Sinner has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open with a right knee injury, tournament organisers said on Sunday, handing the Italian a blow in his preparations for this month's US Open.
Khan replaces Sudharsan in India's squad for Sri Lanka tests

India batter Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the test series against Sri Lanka due to a toe injury, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Sunday.