Florentino Perez eyes Mourinho return to Real Madrid amid board doubts
Journalists David Ornstein and Mario Cortegana from The Athletic report that Florentino Perez is spearheading the choice for Real Madrids next manager.
Arbeloa stepped in during January to succeed the dismissed Xabi Alonso and faces an exit in June following a campaign where Real Madrid seem set for no silverware in LaLiga, Champions League or Copa del Rey for the second consecutive year.
In contrast to the appointment of Alonso which was handled by general manager Jose Angel Sanchez, Perez is now directing the search. He aims to revive what he views as a shattered initiative and regards Mourinho as the perfect candidate to revive rivalry at the Bernabeu.
While Mourinho remains Florentino Perezs top choice, other board members favour alternative candidates.
Insights from Flashscore reveal that the coaching team prefers the German Jurgen Klopp. Yet his approach demands patience for development and challenges in handling player personalities are viewed as drawbacks.
The shortlist also features two Argentines: Mauricio Pochettino who shows interest in joining Madrid and Lionel Scaloni. The Argentina national team boss has received outreach from the club but plans to respond only post World Cup.
Additionally Didier Deschamps emerges as a possibility departing the French side after the summer event though his prospects seem limited currently.
In this context Mourinho stands out as the practical option: the Portuguese manager could return with a simple call to a familiar setting and Perez believes he alone can reclaim the lost drive from this term.
Mourinho joined Benfica in September 2025 with a deal running until June 2027. That said the pact contains a buyout provision worth about three million euros which can be triggered by either side within 10 days following the seasons final match.
Comeback for the Special One and boardroom rifts
Heading back to Madrid would revive the bond between Mourinho and Perez that produced three honours from 2010 to 2013 including the LaLiga title after amassing a staggering 100 points in 2011/12. That being said agreement on the 63 year old manager remains elusive.
Club insiders note multiple dissenting opinions against his comeback citing the discord he sparked in the squad and the infamous clashes with then captain Iker Casillas.
Clash involving Vinicius Junior
Mourinhos stint at Benfica carries its share of drama. In February he drew sharp rebuke following the Champions League clash with Real Madrid in Lisbon. Vinicius Junior alleged racist abuse from Gianluca Prestianni.
After the game Mourinho implied the Brazilian winger provoked the episode a remark that landed poorly in Madrid. UEFA later banned Prestianni for six matches not due to racism but for homophobic remarks.