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José Mourinho is set to sign an initial two-year contract to take charge of Real Madrid, with the possibility of an extension based on results.
Mourinho is now poised to be formally unveiled as Madrid's next head coach, following the conclusion of Benfica's season.
The Lisbon side secured a 3–1 victory over Estoril on Saturday to wrap up the Portuguese league campaign without a single defeat. Despite the achievement, Mourinho's Benfica still finished the 2025–26 season in third place, trailing Porto and Sporting CP, and will be absent from next season's Champions League.
Multiple reports indicate that Mourinho has reached a verbal agreement to take the Madrid job, and is expected to be officially confirmed as the new head coach after Los Blancos complete their domestic season at home against Athletic Club on Saturday—provided Florentino Pérez is re-elected as club president.
A release clause in Mourinho's two-year Benfica contract, signed less than a year ago, permits him to depart Lisbon for €3 million ($3.4 million), while the financial terms of his deal at the Bernabeu have already been negotiated between his agent Jorge Mendes and Real Madrid.
Notably, AS reports that although Mourinho's contract spans two years, it will be automatically extended by an additional year should he win La Liga.
Sky Sports reports that Mourinho will bring four members of his coaching staff from Benfica to Real Madrid.
What Has Mourinho Said?
Mourinho has yet to publicly confirm his plans to move to Madrid, remaining tight-lipped in recent days.
However, after Benfica's final match of the season at the weekend, Mourinho acknowledged that he has received a contract renewal offer from Benfica president Rui Costa, while conceding that Madrid remains a genuine option.
"It depends on the offer and what [Real Madrid] want from me," he told reporters.
"We're not talking about one euro more or less. It depends on whether I'm in a position to achieve what they propose. I want, by my own right, to have my time to talk and decide what's best for me."
How Did Mourinho's First Real Madrid Spell Go?
Should Mourinho return to Madrid, it would mark his second stint in the Bernabéu dugout.
The Portuguese tactician managed Madrid from 2010 to 2013, claiming one La Liga title (2011–12) and one Copa del Rey (2010–11).
Mourinho's opening two seasons in Spain were widely regarded as triumphs, as he transformed Madrid into a genuine threat to Pep Guardiola's previously dominant Barcelona side.
During 2011–12, his Madrid squad shattered several La Liga records, including most points in a single season (100), most goals scored (121), and best goal difference (+89).
However, his time at the club ended bitterly as he clashed with referees, opponents, and members of his own squad amid a dip in form and a failure to deliver European glory.
After finishing 2012–13 without silverware, Mourinho described it as the lowest point of his managerial career, while his increasingly confrontational conduct had driven away a large part of the squad and supporters.
In the 13 years since departing Madrid, he has claimed just one league championship at any club (Chelsea, 2014–15).
What Happens Next?
Real Madrid will bring their season to a close this Saturday at home to Athletic Club, after which Mourinho is anticipated to travel to Spain to finalize his appointment.
The release clause enabling Mourinho to exit Benfica expires on May 26, making it highly probable that the move will be made official before next Tuesday. This deadline also coincides with the anticipated conclusion of Madrid's presidential election.
Some reports suggest that Mourinho has already identified the key positions requiring reinforcement in Madrid's squad ahead of the 2026–27 season, including center back, right back, central midfield, and striker.
Meanwhile, there is speculation that current manager Álvaro Arbeloa may stay on at the club in a different capacity.