Benfica Confirm José Mourinho Exit as Real Madrid Return Looms

Benfica have officially confirmed the departure of Portuguese manager José Mourinho, with reports indicating that the experienced tactician is on the verge of a sensational return to Real Madrid.

The Lisbon-based club announced on Tuesday that an agreement had been reached following Real Madrid’s formal decision to activate Mourinho’s €15 million release clause. The payment, according to Benfica, matches the buyout fee contained in the coach’s contract.

Mourinho’s exit brings an end to a short stint with Benfica, as attention now shifts to his expected third spell at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The 63-year-old previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, a period during which he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup while engaging in a fierce rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.

Real Madrid’s move to bring back Mourinho comes after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign in which the club failed to secure any major trophies for a second consecutive season.

The decision has been widely described as a bold gamble by club president Florentino Pérez, who recently secured re-election and is reportedly keen on restoring Madrid’s dominance in Europe.

Earlier on Tuesday, Real Madrid also confirmed the departure of interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who had stepped in following the exit of Xabi Alonso. Arbeloa had already indicated plans to leave at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Benfica have moved quickly to secure a replacement, announcing a two-year deal for Fulham manager Marco Silva, who recently left the Premier League side after five seasons in charge.

Mourinho’s anticipated return to Madrid is already generating significant attention, with fans and analysts eager to see how the veteran coach handles another high-pressure chapter at one of football’s biggest clubs.