Benfica Announces Real Madrid's Intention to Hire Jose Mourinho; Marco Silva to Replace Him
Real Madrid have officially confirmed José Mourinho as their new head coach on a three-year contract running until June 2029, with the 63-year-old returning to the club after 13 years. The appointment follows Real Madrid president Florentino Perez's re-election, having pledged to bring Mourinho back, and comes after two consecutive trophy-less seasons during which Barcelona won back-to-back LaLiga titles. Mourinho's return to the Bernabéu marks a high-profile gamble by Perez to restore the club's domestic and European competitiveness.
Real Madrid announced on Thursday that José Mourinho will rejoin the club as head coach, signing a three-year deal until June 30, 2029, with preseason set to begin on July 13. The Portuguese manager, who previously led Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013 — winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup — departs Benfica, where he guided the club through an unbeaten Primeira Liga campaign but finished third. Real Madrid paid Benfica €15 million in compensation for Mourinho's release, and Benfica have already confirmed Marco Silva, formerly of Fulham, as his replacement on a contract through 2028. Mourinho's appointment was a central pledge of president Florentino Perez, who survived the club's first genuine presidential contest in two decades before swiftly dismissing interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa. Real Madrid have endured a turbulent season marked by dressing room conflicts — including a reported altercation between Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni — and the inability of successive coaches to effectively deploy Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham together. Reports also indicate Mourinho has identified free agent Bernardo Silva, whose Manchester City contract expires June 30, as a priority signing, with both player and manager sharing agent Jorge Mendes.
How coverage differed
Al Jazeera framed Mourinho's appointment as a 'gamble' and emphasised Real Madrid's 'humiliating' domestic campaign, including the historic El Clásico title decider, lending a more critical tone to Perez's decision. The other outlets, particularly France 24 and BBC, adopted a more neutral, factual framing focused on the managerial transition and Mourinho's career trajectory.
What different sources said
- Channel NewsAsiaCenter
Benfica say Real Madrid intend to hire Mourinho, Silva to take charge of Portuguese club
- BBC Top StoriesCenter
Real Madrid bring back Mourinho on three-year deal
- Al JazeeraLeft
Jose Mourinho named Real Madrid coach on three-year deal
- France 24Center
Real Madrid turn to Mourinho again in bid to end trophy drought with 3-year contract
- ForbesCenter
Real Madrid Officially Announces Mourinho As New Head Coach
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