By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Real Madrid have officially reappointed Jose Mourinho as their head coach after agreeing a £13 million (€15 million) compensation deal with Benfica. The Spanish giants announced the appointment on Friday, with Mourinho signing a three-year contract that begins when the squad returns for pre-season on July 13. Club president Florentino Perez made the move after winning re-election earlier this month, bringing the Portuguese manager back to the Santiago Bernabéu 13 years after his first spell ended.
Mourinho Returns to the Bernabéu
Real Madrid confirmed Mourinho’s return following two trophyless seasons. The club also struggled after parting ways with Xabi Alonso in January. Former academy coach Alvaro Arbeloa guided the team until the end of the campaign.
Perez had promised to bring Mourinho back if members re-elected him as club president. The 79-year-old fulfilled that pledge after defeating renewable energy entrepreneur Enrique Riquelme with 65 percent of the votes.
As a result, Mourinho now returns to one of Europe’s biggest clubs. He previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.
Real Madrid Pay Benfica £13 Million Compensation
Real Madrid agreed to pay Benfica £13 million (€15 million) to release Mourinho from his contract. The Portuguese coach had only spent one season during his second spell with Benfica.
Despite guiding Benfica through an unbeaten Liga Portugal campaign, the club finished third in the league. Nevertheless, Mourinho’s work convinced Real Madrid to secure his services once again.
Mourinho’s Successful First Spell at Real Madrid
During his first stint, Mourinho helped Real Madrid win several major trophies. He delivered the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Although he failed to win the UEFA Champions League with Madrid, he restored the club’s competitiveness during one of Barcelona’s strongest eras.
Mourinho’s Journey Since Leaving Madrid
After leaving Real Madrid in 2013, Mourinho managed several top European clubs. He returned to Chelsea before taking charge of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, Fenerbahce, and Benfica.
Earlier in his managerial career, he won the UEFA Champions League with Porto and later repeated the achievement with Inter Milan. Those successes cemented his reputation as one of football’s most decorated managers.
A New Chapter Begins
Mourinho will officially begin his second era at Real Madrid when players report for pre-season on July 13. Club officials believe his experience and winning mentality can help restore the team’s dominance after two disappointing seasons without silverware.
