José Mourinho to begin work on July 13 with Real Madrid

By: Godbless Asaana
Real Madrid has officially appointed José Mourinho as their new head coach on a three-year contract, bringing back a familiar figure to lead the club forward.

The club announced on Thursday that Mourinho will take charge of the first team until June 30, 2029, replacing Álvaro Arbeloa. He is expected to begin work on July 13 when players report for pre-season training ahead of the new campaign.

“Real Madrid CF has agreed to appoint José Mourinho as head coach of the first team for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2029,” the club said.

In a statement released by the club, Real Madrid confirmed that its Board of Directors, chaired by President Florentino Pérez, approved Mourinho’s appointment during a meeting held on June 11.

Mourinho returns to a club he previously managed between 2010 and 2013, a period during which he helped restore Real Madrid’s competitiveness both domestically and in Europe. His return has been widely viewed as a major statement of intent by the club’s leadership.

The appointment fulfills one of Florentino Pérez’s key election pledges after he secured re-election as president. Pérez has emphasized the need to return Real Madrid to the summit of European football following two disappointing seasons.

To secure Mourinho’s services, Real Madrid will reportedly pay Benfica a release clause of €15 million ($17.3 million), a figure confirmed by the Portuguese club. Earlier this week, Benfica informed Portugal’s Securities Market Commission that Real Madrid intended to activate the clause to bring the veteran manager back to Spain.

Mourinho now faces the challenge of rebuilding and preparing the squad ahead of the new campaign. His immediate priorities will include assessing the playing staff, overseeing transfer plans, organizing pre-season training, and arranging friendly matches.

The 63-year-old arrives with a reputation as one of football’s most successful and experienced managers, having won league titles and major trophies across Europe.

His return is expected to generate significant excitement among supporters eager to see Real Madrid reclaim its place among the continent’s elite.

Benfica have already identified a successor, with reports indicating that Marco Silva will take over as head coach following Mourinho’s departure.