Benfica confirmed Real Madrid intend to pay José Mourinho’s $17.4 million (€15 million) release clause to bring the “Special One” back to the Bernabéu for the 2026–27 season.
Club president Florentino Pérez announced Mourinho’s impending return on Wednesday as part of his re-election bid. The Spaniard made it clear the Portuguese boss is Álvaro Arbeloa’s successor, and an official unveiling will come if he defeats Enrique Riquelme in Sunday’s election—which he is expected to do so.