Real Madrid president Perez confirms Mourinho return

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez revealed he is "proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world" in Jose Mourinho, who is set to return to Los Blancos.

The club are yet to officially announce Mourinho's return, though Perez previously stated during his successful presidential campaign that the former boss would replace Alvaro Arbeloa if he remained in office.

Mourinho previously took charge of Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning 126 of his 174 games at the helm (D27 L21); his 72.4% win percentage with Los Blancos is the highest of any team he has managed.

He won one LaLiga title (2011-12), one Copa del Rey (2010-11) and one Supercopa de Espana (2012) during his time in the Spanish capital, with Madrid only winning the league four times in 13 years since Mourinho's departure.

The 63-year-old is currently contracted with Benfica, guiding them to a third-place finish in the league despite going unbeaten in 2025-26.

But following Marco Silva's departure from Fulham, he is expected to join Benfica, with Mourinho's return to the Santiago Bernabeu now imminent. 

Madrid have failed to win a trophy in each of their last two seasons, but Perez is determined to change that with the appointment of Mourinho.

"We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles," Perez said. "I am still here, and I am here to defend Real Madrid.

"We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles, and we will fight until the end to achieve the 16th European Cup.

"We will continue to take pride in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the best stadium in the world.

"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.

"And rest assured, with me as president, Real Madrid has been, is, and will always remain owned by its members."