Jose Mourinho leaves Benfica ahead of expected return to Real Madrid

The Spanish giants formally informed Benfica of their intention to appoint Mourinho, with the payment matching the release clause in the 63-year-old's contract. His return has been facilitated in part by the re-election of Florentino Perez as club president.

Mourinho is expected to replace Alvaro Arbeloa, whose departure was officially confirmed by Real Madrid on Tuesday. Arbeloa took charge in January after succeeding Xabi Alonso and had already announced last month that he would step down at the end of the season.

The move comes after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign in which Real Madrid failed to secure a major trophy for the second consecutive season.

Perez's decision to turn once again to Mourinho is being regarded as a bold gamble as the club looks to restore its status among Europe's elite.

Meanwhile, Benfica have wasted little time in finding a replacement. The Portuguese club announced that an agreement has been reached with former Fulham manager Marco Silva, who left the Premier League side last week after five seasons in charge. Silva has signed a two-year contract.

A return to Madrid would mark Mourinho's second spell at the club. He first arrived in 2010 and spent three seasons in charge, winning one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Super Cup.

His tenure also coincided with the height of Real Madrid's intense rivalry with Barcelona under Pep Guardiola.