Real Madrid have brought Jose Mourinho back to the Spanish capital. The Portuguese manager signed a three-year contract with the club, returning 13 years after his first stint ended.
Mourinho replaces Alvaro Arbeloa at the Bernabéu. Madrid finished second to Barcelona this season without winning any major trophy.
The 63-year-old will officially join on July 13 when preseason begins. Real Madrid confirmed the appointment in an official statement on Wednesday.
"Real Madrid have agreed to appoint Jose Mourinho as first team head coach for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2029," the club said.
He arrives from Benfica, where he completed an unbeaten domestic league campaign. The Lisbon club paid €15 million as compensation for his services.
Mourinho's first Madrid spell between 2010 and 2013 delivered silverware and glory. He won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup during those three years.
His Real Madrid team became the first to reach 100 points in a La Liga season during 2011-12. Barcelona matched that milestone the following year under Pep Guardiola.
That era saw intense rivalries and tactical battles between the two Spanish powerhouses. Mourinho's influence is widely credited with disrupting Barca's dominance at the time.
His previous spell wasn't without controversy, however. Internal tensions and reported dressing room conflicts marked parts of his tenure.
Some players thrived under his management while others clashed with his approach. Yet his tactical legacy helped shape Madrid's modern era of European success.
Club president Florentino Perez has backed the decision strongly. Perez previously praised Mourinho's impact on the club's Champions League foundations.
Madrid struggled with squad harmony this season amid inconsistent performances. Mourinho faces the challenge of restoring balance and discipline among the star-studded roster.
He brings extensive experience from his time at Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma and Fenerbahçe. His trophy-winning record spans multiple continents and competitions.
The Portuguese tactician now inherits a squad seeking to reclaim domestic and European dominance. His return signals Madrid's intent to challenge Barcelona immediately next season.
