By Staff Reporter
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has pledged to bring Jose Mourinho back to the Santiago Bernabeu if he wins the club’s presidential election on Sunday.
Perez, who is seeking another term in office, made the announcement through a campaign video posted on his social media platforms. The clip featured Mourinho simply responding “Yes!” alongside the slogan “So MOUch history to be made,” signaling the Portuguese coach’s potential return to Madrid.
The surprise move comes after a disappointing season for the Spanish giants. Real Madrid failed to win major domestic honours, while rivals Barcelona secured a second consecutive La Liga title. The club also suffered a second straight UEFA Champions League quarterfinal exit, increasing pressure for change.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning a La Liga title, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup. His 2011-12 side set a then-record points tally in La Liga and remains one of the club’s most memorable modern teams.
Perez’s main challenger, entrepreneur Enrique Riquelme, has proposed an ambitious alternative vision for the club. Speaking on Spanish television, Riquelme said he would target Manchester City star Rodri and prolific striker Erling Haaland if elected. He also revealed plans to appoint club legend Raul as sporting director.
Since leaving Real Madrid in 2013, Mourinho has managed Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, Fenerbahce and Benfica. During that period, he won the Europa League and League Cup with Manchester United and guided Roma to the UEFA Europa Conference League title.
Despite criticism that modern football has evolved beyond Mourinho’s pragmatic approach, Perez appears convinced that the experienced coach can restore competitiveness and discipline to a squad featuring Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
Mourinho recently stated that no formal contact had been made with Real Madrid, despite widespread speculation linking him to a return. However, Perez’s public endorsement has now placed the possibility firmly in the spotlight.
If re-elected, Perez would oversee Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid 13 years after his departure, potentially opening a new chapter in one of football’s most talked-about partnerships.
Real Madrid parted ways with Xabi Alonso in January after a difficult first season in charge, with former defender Alvaro Arbeloa serving as interim coach for the remainder of the campaign.
