League: LaLiga Sport: Soccer Country: Spain Category: Coaching

Jose Mourinho departs Benfica as he prepares for Real Madrid return

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 11:25 PM

Last updated Jun 10, 2026

Jose Mourinho departs Benfica as he prepares for Real Madrid return

Summary

Jose Mourinho has bid farewell to Benfica and is set to be officially named the head coach of Real Madrid in the coming days. An agreement with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was previously made but could not be confirmed until after the recent presidential election. Mourinho thanked Benfica for the opportunity to manage the team, which he led for nine months. His return to Madrid comes as the club seeks to improve following a disappointing season under previous manager Alvaro Arbeloa.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Mourinho leaves Benfica after nine months in charge.
•He had an agreement with Florentino Perez to return to Real Madrid.
•Alvaro Arbeloa's tenure as manager followed a disappointing season.
•Mourinho expressed gratitude to Benfica's president and staff.
•His official appointment at Real Madrid is expected soon.

Latest Updates

3:24 AMYahoo Sports — José Mourinho Officially Leaves Benfica
11:25 PMYahoo Sports — Jose Mourinho says goodbye to Benfica ahead of Real Madrid return

What they're saying

"
In the coming days, it is expected that Jose Mourinho will be officially confirmed as the next manager of Real Madrid. The Portuguese has had an agreement with Florentino Perez in place for weeks, but...
— Yahoo Sports