MADRID — Jose Mourinho is set to return to Real Madrid as head coach after Florentino Perez secured another term as president, a development that marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of world football’s most successful clubs.
The Portuguese manager, who previously led Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, signed a three-year agreement last month. However, the deal was dependent upon Perez retaining the presidency during the club’s election process.
Perez, 79, comfortably secured victory in the election, obtaining 65 percent of the vote and earning another mandate to continue leading the Spanish giants. His success ensures stability at the top of the club while allowing the Mourinho appointment to proceed as planned.
Addressing supporters following the result, Perez emphasized his commitment to maintaining Real Madrid’s position among football’s elite clubs.
“We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles,” Perez said. “We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles, and we will fight until the end to achieve the 16th European Cup.”
The veteran president also highlighted the club’s commitment to preserving its identity and traditions while striving for continued success on and off the pitch.
Perez praised the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, describing it as the best stadium in the world, and expressed pride in welcoming Mourinho back to Madrid.
His comments reflected confidence that the experienced coach can help restore the club’s fortunes following a disappointing campaign.
The election represented a rare contest for the Real Madrid presidency. The club, which is entirely owned by its members, had not experienced a contested presidential election in two decades.
Renewable energy entrepreneur Enrique Riquelme challenged Perez in the race, but the incumbent secured a convincing victory.
Official results showed Perez receiving 21,741 votes compared with Riquelme’s 11,814 votes. The outcome reinforced Perez’s strong support among the club’s membership and confirmed his continued influence over the institution he has led since 2009.
Perez’s latest victory extends one of the most successful presidential eras in Real Madrid history. During his leadership, the club has captured multiple domestic and European titles while establishing itself as a global commercial powerhouse.
His tenure has also been associated with major infrastructure developments, including the extensive modernization of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Ahead of the election, Perez hinted at ambitious plans for the future, including a potential club-record move for an unnamed star player.
Although no details have been revealed regarding possible transfer targets, the promise has fueled speculation about significant investment during the upcoming transfer window.
The return of Mourinho adds another layer of intrigue to Real Madrid’s plans.
The Portuguese coach arrives after a brief spell with Benfica, where he took charge in September and guided the club to a third-place finish in the Primeira Liga.
While Benfica fell short of winning the Portuguese title, Mourinho’s experience and track record remain highly respected across European football.
His first period at Real Madrid was one of the most memorable chapters of his managerial career.
Appointed by Perez in 2010, Mourinho transformed the team into a fierce competitor capable of challenging Barcelona during one of the Catalan club’s most dominant eras.
Under his leadership, Real Madrid won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
Perhaps most notably, Mourinho helped lay foundations that contributed to the club’s future European successes. His emphasis on competitiveness, discipline and winning mentality resonated throughout the squad and helped restore confidence after several difficult seasons in Europe.
This time, Mourinho returns to a club facing a different set of challenges.
Real Madrid concluded the 2025-26 season without securing a major trophy, an outcome that fell far below expectations.
Their campaign ended with rivals Barcelona celebrating the La Liga title following a decisive 2-0 victory in El Clasico, a result that further increased pressure on the Madrid hierarchy to respond.
The disappointing season ultimately led to managerial changes.
Mourinho will replace Alvaro Arbeloa, who had only been in charge since January after Xabi Alonso departed the role earlier in the year.
Despite hopes that Arbeloa could stabilize the team, Real Madrid struggled to find consistency and failed to compete successfully for major honours.
Mourinho’s appointment reflects the club’s desire for an experienced leader capable of handling pressure at the highest level.
Known for his tactical expertise and ability to build competitive teams, Mourinho has won league titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain while also lifting the UEFA Champions League on two occasions.
Supporters will be eager to see whether he can replicate the success of his first spell while adapting to the modern demands of the game.
His return also carries emotional significance. During his previous tenure, Mourinho developed a strong connection with many sections of the Real Madrid fan base, who admired his determination and commitment to challenging Barcelona’s dominance.
Perez described Mourinho as both “one of the best coaches in the world” and “a Madridista,” underlining the belief that the Portuguese remains closely connected to the club’s identity.
As preparations begin for the new season, expectations will be high.
Real Madrid supporters will expect immediate improvement after a campaign that failed to deliver silverware, while Mourinho will face the task of maximizing the potential of a talented squad and restoring the winning culture that has defined the club for decades.
With Perez remaining in charge, promises of future investment and Mourinho back on the touchline, Real Madrid enters a new era filled with ambition.
Whether that combination can deliver domestic and European glory once again will become one of football’s most closely watched stories in the months ahead.