Jose Mourinho to return as Real Madrid manager if Florentino Perez re-elected
Jose Mourinho will return as Real Madrid manager for the 2026-27 season if Florentino Perez wins the club’s presidential election on Sunday.
Perez’s campaign team made the official announcement late on Wednesday evening via a short social media video.
The brief clip featured the Portuguese tactician smiling in a Real Madrid shirt and saying “yes” to confirm the agreement.
Rebuilding a struggling superpower
Real Madrid have endured a difficult period on the pitch, failing to win a major trophy in their last two campaigns.
Recent managers Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa have all been unable to extract the maximum from a star-studded squad.
Perez believes the two-time Champions League-winning manager is the ideal candidate to oversee a new era at the Bernabeu.
The presidential incumbent highlighted the world-class talent currently available in the Spanish capital, including Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
“A good coach, with these players, is going to make another very important era in Real Madrid history.”
Election battle heats up
The confirmation of the former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss arrives just days before club members cast their deciding votes.
Perez is facing fierce competition from businessman Enrique Riquelme for the club presidency.
Riquelme was appearing live on Spanish television to pledge the signing of striker Erling Haaland when news of the managerial appointment broke.
The rival candidate admitted the move caught him by surprise but acknowledged the veteran tactician’s pedigree.
Should Perez secure re-election this weekend, the self-styled ‘Special One’ will officially begin his second stint in the Spanish capital.