Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 5:26 p.m. / Updated Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 5:27 p.m.
A possible spectacular comeback is taking shape at Real Madrid. According to information from the international press, Florentino Perez sees Jose Mourinho as the main candidate to take over the team, in the context in which the current coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, is expected to be fired at the end of the season.
Sources indicate that the choice of the future coach is directly controlled by Perez, unlike in recent situations when other figures in the management, such as Jose Angel Sanchez, have had an important role. This time, the president wants to rebuild a project that has disappointed, after two consecutive seasons without major trophies such as La Liga, the Champions League or the Spanish Cup.
The return of Mourinho, an increasingly realistic scenario
A possible return of Mourinho to the Santiago Bernabeu would mean the resumption of a partnership which between 2010 and 2013 brought three major trophies, including the La Liga title in the 2011-2012 season with an impressive record 100 points.
In addition, the Portuguese took the team to the semi-finals of the Champions League three years in a row, although the ultimate trophy eluded him during that time.
Florentino Perez wants Jose Mourinho back at Real Madrid // PHOTO Imago Images
There is also opposition in the club
However, not everyone in the club supports this option. Mourinho was a controversial figure in his first tenure, with dressing room conflicts including those with former captain Iker Casillas. Moreover, the Portuguese technician was recently involved in controversies after statements related to Vinicius Junior, which generated negative reactions in the public space, notes The Athletic.
Mourinho is currently under contract until 2027, but there is a release clause estimated at around €3 million, which could facilitate a departure.
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Alvaro Arbeloa took over as head coach of Real Madrid's first team on 12 January 2026, having been promoted from second team Castilla following the departure of Xabi Alonso. He went through all the stages in the club's academy during about 6 years.
