José Mourinho has delivered an emotional farewell to Benfica after leaving the club to return to Real Madrid, bringing his second spell at the Estádio da Luz to an end after one season.
Benfica confirmed on June 9 that Real Madrid had formally expressed its intention to appoint Mourinho and would pay the €15 million release clause in his contract.
The Spanish club announced the appointment two days later, handing the 63-year-old a three-year deal running until June 2029.
Mourinho will officially begin work in Madrid on July 13, when Real’s pre-season preparations get under way.
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Mourinho thanks Rui Costa for opportunity
According to Marta Fernandes Simões in A Bola, Mourinho published a farewell message on social media after his departure had been confirmed.
“I thank president Rui Costa for the opportunity I was given to work in the service of Sport Lisboa e Benfica,” Mourinho wrote.
“Representing this club was an honour and a privilege.”
Mourinho returned to Benfica in September 2025, succeeding Bruno Lage and taking charge of the club where his senior managerial career began more than two decades earlier.
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His latest spell lasted only one season, however, after Real Madrid moved to bring him back to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Special message for Benfica staff and players
Mourinho also expressed his gratitude to those who worked alongside him at the Benfica Campus.
“I would also like to express my appreciation to all the professionals at the Benfica Campus, whose professionalism, dedication and competence were exemplary,” he said.
The Portuguese coach then addressed the players directly, describing the relationships formed during his time at the club as lasting ones.
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“To the players with whom I had the pleasure of working, I offer my sincere thanks and wish them the greatest personal and professional success,” Mourinho wrote.
“I take with me the conviction that, more than a moment, we created a lasting connection: my player one day, my player forever.”
The message offered a warm conclusion to a spell that ended earlier than initially expected, with Mourinho still having time remaining on his Benfica contract.
Real Madrid pay €15 million for return
Benfica confirmed in an official statement to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission that Real Madrid had agreed to pay the €15 million required to release Mourinho from his contract.
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The coach had also given his approval to the move, clearing the way for his return to the Spanish capital.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
His 2011/12 side collected 100 points and scored a then-record 121 league goals as Madrid ended Barcelona’s three-year hold on the Spanish title.
Real Madrid have now turned to Mourinho again following a disappointing season marked by instability on and off the pitch.
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Second spell begins in July
Real Madrid confirmed in its official announcement that Mourinho had signed a contract until June 30, 2029.
He will take charge when the squad returns for pre-season training on July 13.
The appointment represents one of the most striking managerial returns in recent European football, with Mourinho heading back to Madrid 13 years after leaving the club.
Benfica, meanwhile, have appointed former Fulham manager Marco Silva as his replacement.
Mourinho leaves Lisbon with his relationship with the club intact, but with another demanding assignment waiting at a club where expectations remain as high as ever.
