Real Madrid brings José Mourinho back for second spell
Mourinho's Madrid return is a football reset with a direct Belgian subplot through Thibaut Courtois.
In 30 seconds
- Benfica SAD disclosed to the CMVM that Real Madrid's move for Mourinho was worth €15 million.
- Spanish coverage says Mourinho's new Real Madrid contract runs until 30 June 2029.
- Real Madrid's records show Mourinho previously coached the club from 2010 to 2013.
- Real Madrid's records show his first spell produced La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España titles.
José Mourinho (Portuguese football coach, born in Setúbal in 1963) is one of modern football's most decorated managers and previously coached Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013. Real Madrid (Madrid-based Spanish football club founded in 1902) is Europe's most successful Champions League club. Benfica SAD (the listed company operating Benfica's professional football business in Lisbon) disclosed the financial terms of Mourinho's departure to Portugal's CMVM. CMVM (Portugal's securities-market regulator) receives price-sensitive disclosures from listed sports companies. Florentino Pérez (Real Madrid president and construction executive, first elected in 2000) has again turned to a marquee coach. Álvaro Arbeloa (former Spain and Real Madrid defender) was Madrid's previous head coach. Thibaut Courtois (Belgian goalkeeper from Bree, Real Madrid player since 2018) is the clearest Belgian sporting link.
Background
Real Madrid's own historical record shows Mourinho first arrived in 2010 after winning the Champions League with Inter Milan. During his 2010-2013 spell, Real Madrid won the 2011 Copa del Rey, the 2011-12 La Liga title and the 2012 Supercopa de España. The club's 2011-12 league season is remembered for 100 points and 121 goals, figures widely recorded in Real Madrid season histories. Mourinho left in 2013 by mutual agreement after a campaign marked by internal strain and defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
Why now
The story is timely because Benfica SAD disclosed the €15 million move to Portugal's CMVM and Spanish coverage reported Real Madrid's appointment on 11 June 2026, after the club's managerial change and presidential-election cycle.
What happens next
Watch Mourinho's official presentation, Madrid's first pre-season squad list, transfer moves in defence and midfield, and early signals about Courtois's status. The Champions League league-phase draw will show whether Belgian clubs could face Mourinho's Madrid next season.
What to do
For Belgian readers, nothing changes administratively or domestically. The practical takeaway is sporting: Courtois-watch becomes more important, Champions League opponents may need to prepare for a more Mourinho-shaped Madrid, and Belgian broadcasters can expect renewed interest in Real Madrid fixtures.
How we got here
- 2010-05-31
Real Madrid unveiled José Mourinho for his first spell as head coach.
- 2011-04-20
Mourinho's Real Madrid won the Copa del Rey against Barcelona.
- 2012-05-02
Real Madrid secured the 2011-12 La Liga title under Mourinho.
- 2013-05-20
Real Madrid announced Mourinho would leave by mutual agreement at season's end.
- 2026-06-11
Spanish coverage reported Mourinho's return to Real Madrid on a deal to 2029.
EvidenceWell established · 1 primary source + 3 independent reporting sources · Background sources: 3Explore evidence →Hide evidence ↑
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