Jose Mourinho is set to be confirmed as Real Madrid’s new head coach, following Florentino Perez’s re-election as the club’s president. The 63-year-old Portuguese manager had signed a three-year deal last month, but its validity was contingent on Perez retaining his position.
Perez, 79, secured a commanding victory in the presidential election, which saw him re-elected until 2030. He obtained 65% of the total vote, marking the first time in two decades that a challenger had emerged for the top role at the Santiago Bernabéu. Renewable energy magnate Enrique Riquelme was the challenger, but Perez dominated the ballot, taking 100% of the in-person and postal votes counted.
According to BBC Sport journalist Alastair Telfer, Perez garnered 21,741 votes, significantly outpolling Riquelme, who received 11,814 votes (35%). Having been in office since 2009, Perez’s latest triumph ensures continuity at the helm of the Spanish giants.
“We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles,” Perez stated following his re-election. He added, “Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho.”
Read also: Joakim Maehle's recurring nightmare: Witnessing on-field collapses
Mourinho’s second spell in Madrid
Mourinho will depart his current role as manager of Benfica, a club he took charge of in September and led to a third-place finish in the Primeira Liga this season. His return to Real Madrid marks a second stint at the club, having previously managed them between 2010 and 2013. During his initial tenure, Mourinho delivered significant silverware:
La Liga title
Copa del Rey
Spanish Super Cup
Read also: Trump met with boos from fans at Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals Game 3
He will replace Alvaro Arbeloa, who took charge in January after Xabi Alonso’s departure. Mourinho’s return comes at a pivotal time for Real Madrid, as the club concluded their 2025-26 campaign without any silverware. Rivals Barcelona sealed the La Liga title with a decisive 2-0 El Clasico victory, highlighting the challenge Mourinho will face upon his arrival.
Sources: www.bbc.com
