José Mourinho linked with a return to Real Madrid

Real Madrid started the season under Xabi Alonso, but things didn’t go to plan. After a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, the club decided to part ways with him in January. At that point, Madrid were sitting four points behind Barça in the league, and Álvaro Arbeloa stepped in as interim manager.

Since then, attention has turned to finding a replacement, with president Florentino Pérez expected to play a key role in the decision.

One name that’s quickly resurfaced is José Mourinho. The former Madrid boss, who managed the club between 2010 and 2013, is currently in charge of SL Benfica. His side sit second in the league and remain unbeaten so far this season in Liga Portugal, after 31 matches played.

Their Champions League campaign has been eventful too. Benfica secured a place in the play-off round dramatically, thanks to a 98th-minute winner from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, ironically against Real Madrid. However, Madrid had the last laugh, knocking Benfica out in the play-offs, winning 3-1 on aggregate.

Unsurprisingly, talk of Mourinho returning to the Bernabéu is gaining momentum again. Madrid are clearly looking for stability and experience, and Mourinho’s situation in Lisbon adds fuel to the speculation. Although he’s under contract until 2027, reports suggest there’s a clause that could allow him to leave at the end of the season.

Mourinho’s connection with Madrid is hard to ignore. During his first spell, he brought intensity, structure, and a competitive edge that helped the club go toe-to-toe with Barcelona at their peak. That legacy still carries weight, which is why his name keeps coming up whenever Madrid find themselves at a crossroads.

With uncertainty lingering and a potential exit clause in play, a summer return doesn’t feel out of the question if both sides decide the time is right.