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José Mourinho's appointment as Real Madrid manager has been delayed as the club navigates its upcoming presidential elections.
The 63-year-old was widely reported to be Florentino Pérez's top choice to replace Álvaro Arbeloa in the Madrid hot seat, with suggestions that the Portuguese tactician would pen an initial two-year contract once the La Liga season officially wrapped up.
However, despite Madrid closing out a disappointing 2025–26 season with a 4–2 home victory against Athletic Club on Saturday, there has been no announcement regarding Mourinho's appointment — even after Arbeloa officially confirmed his departure from the role this summer.
Speaking ahead of the weekend's match, Arbeloa told the media: "I'm leaving Real Madrid with enormous gratitude as the players have made me a better person and brought joy to every single day.
"I hope it's just a 'see you soon' because I've always thought of this place as home. I've been part of Real Madrid for 20 years across many different capacities. This will be my final game this season as Real Madrid coach, and I'm uncertain whether it will be the last of my managerial career at Real Madrid."
Election Season in Madrid
The silence surrounding Mourinho's appointment can be linked to Madrid's fast-approaching presidential elections.
Pérez announced a surprise early election during an unusual press conference on May 12, seemingly in an effort to consolidate his grip on the club.
The long-serving president has gone unchallenged for the top position for more than two decades — most recently holding an election in January 2025, which he won uncontested as the sole candidate.
Had the same scenario played out this time, he would have been free to appoint Mourinho at the earliest opportunity without any complications. However, it has since been confirmed that renewable energy businessman Enrique Riquelme will mount a challenge against Pérez.
Riquelme officially announced his candidacy over the weekend, describing it as a "tremendously exciting project" and urging club members to be "brave".
Could Mourinho Deal Be in Doubt?
Club regulations stipulate that the election must be held within 15 days — meaning the vote must occur before Monday, June 8.
While Pérez's desire to bring Mourinho in as Madrid's next manager is well established, Riquelme's stance on the matter remains far less clear, with the ongoing administrative uncertainty casting doubt over the future managerial appointment.
Record in Portugal reports that two dates are emerging as the most likely candidates for the vote — May 31 and June 7, both falling on Sundays.
Mourinho was understood to have a release clause in his contract at his current club Benfica, permitting an exit for €3 million ($3.4 million), which expires on May 26.
With elections unlikely to be concluded before that deadline, Madrid's pursuit of the "Special One" looks set to become considerably more costly — if not entirely out of reach.