Real Madrid turn to Mourinho again in bid to end trophy drought with 3-year contract
Key takeaways
- Jose Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid as head coach on a three-year contract, marking a sensational comeback to the Spanish club 13 years after his first spell.
- By: FRANCE 24 A mural by Italian urban artist Salvatore Benintende aka "TV BOY" depicting Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho is seen in front of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 21, 2026.
- The 63-year-old replaces Alvaro Arbeloa after Madrid finished a second consecutive season without a major trophy, falling behind domestic rivals Barcelona.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Jose Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid as head coach on a three-year contract, marking a sensational comeback to the Spanish club 13 years after his first spell. The Portuguese veteran replaces Alvaro Arbeloa following a second straight trophyless season and is charged with restoring Madrid’s dominance while managing a star-studded squad.
By: FRANCE 24 A mural by Italian urban artist Salvatore Benintende aka "TV BOY" depicting Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho is seen in front of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 21, 2026. © Oscar del Pozo, AFP Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho as their coach on Thursday on a three-year deal, with the Portuguese veteran making a sensational return to the Spanish capital after 13 years away.
The 63-year-old replaces Alvaro Arbeloa after Madrid finished a second consecutive season without a major trophy, falling behind domestic rivals Barcelona.