Florentino Pérez, the president of Real Madrid, is reportedly enthusiastic about the idea of bringing Jose Mourinho back to the Spanish capital, but according to Sky Sports News no formal approach has yet been made to the Portuguese coach. At present Pérez is overseeing the hunt for a new manager to take the reins at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The current caretaker, Álvaro Arbeloa, who stepped in after Xabi Alonso's departure in January, is expected to be replaced once the season concludes. The club president maintains a close relationship with Mourinho and is said to be eager for a reunion with the 63-year-old tactician, who famously guided Real Madrid to a record-breaking LaLiga title in the 2009-10 season, amassing an unprecedented 100 points. Despite the mutual respect and historical success, there has been no official communication with the Benfica manager so far, and Mourinho does not appear to be in a rush to make a decision about his next move. Mourinho's current situation at Benfica is far from precarious.
The Portuguese side sit seven points behind league leaders FC Porto and are only three matches away from completing a flawless league campaign – a feat that would make them the sole club in Europe to finish a season unbeaten. Securing three more victories would also guarantee Benfica a second-place finish in the Primeira Liga, ahead of domestic rivals Sporting CP, and ensure a place in next season's Champions League. The coach is fully aware of the swirling rumors surrounding his future.
Reports have placed him at the top of Real Madrid's shortlist, yet Mourinho has indicated that his primary focus remains on achieving the two major objectives he set for Benfica: clinching the league title and securing Champions League qualification. Beyond Madrid, Mourinho's name has been linked to a number of other high-profile appointments, including several elite clubs across Europe and the head coach position for the Portugal national team, which will co-host the 2030 World Cup. Nevertheless, his contract with Benfica runs until the summer of 2027, and it contains a break clause that can be activated by either party at the end of the current season, offering flexibility should either side wish to part ways.
While the speculation continues, Real Madrid's board is expected to conduct a thorough evaluation of potential candidates. The club's recent managerial turnover, highlighted by the brief tenure of Xabi Alonso and the interim spell of Arbeloa, underscores the urgency of finding a stable, long‑term solution. Mourinho's previous stint at the Bernabéu, which delivered a historic points tally, makes him an attractive option, but the decision will ultimately hinge on a combination of strategic fit, financial considerations, and the timing of any formal proposal.
Fans and pundits alike are watching the developments closely, aware that a Mourinho return could bring a blend of experience, tactical acumen, and a proven winning mentality to a Real Madrid side that is eager to reclaim domestic and European dominance. However, until a concrete offer is placed on the table and accepted, the potential reunion remains speculative. In the meantime, Mourinho appears content to concentrate on his current mission with Benfica, aiming to solidify their unbeaten run, secure a top‑two league finish, and guarantee Champions League football for the upcoming season. Should the club achieve these goals, it would further enhance his already impressive résumé and possibly increase his bargaining power in any future negotiations, whether with Real Madrid or another elite institution.