“Mourinho on the way to returning to Real Madrid by 2028.”

The return of [José Mourinho](https://apitofinal.pt/nacional/otamendi-pode-fazer-historia-e-igualar-recorde-na-amoreira/) to [Real Madrid](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/xabi-alonso-assume-comando-do-chelsea-mas-quando-estreia-se/) is imminent and promises to shake up European football! Following a stint at Benfica that came to an [end](https://apitofinal.pt/modalidades/tenis/jannik-sinner-a-um-passo-de-se-tornar-lenda-no-tenis/), the Portuguese coach is preparing to return to the helm of the Merengues with a contract that could extend until 2028. This turnaround, which seemed unlikely just a few weeks ago, is now being managed behind the scenes with utmost caution, but with a virtually guaranteed outcome.

[Florentino Pérez](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/real-madrid-decide-vender-mbappe-arsenal-surpreende-com-plano-para-alvarez/), the president of Real Madrid, has decided to bet once again on a familiar solution to try to resolve the crisis at the Spanish club. Just as happened in the past with [Zinedine Zidane](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/mourinho-pode-ser-a-solucao-ideal-para-o-caos-no-real-madrid/) and [Carlo Ancelotti](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/a-espera-de-13-anos-mourinho-pode-salvar-o-real-madrid/), Mourinho’s return is seen as an urgent measure to stabilize the dressing room and regain the trust of the fans. Although the possibility of Zidane returning was considered, his commitment to the French national team thwarted that option, opening the door for the “Special One.”

According to reports from the Spanish press, the process is being meticulously planned to avoid interfering with the club’s electoral period. The strategy involves waiting for Mourinho’s official separation from Benfica — the club that welcomed him in September 2025 — as well as the deadline for presidential candidacies for Real Madrid, which is on May 23. Only after these steps will the official announcement of the Portuguese’s return be made.

The story of this return began to take shape at the end of March when businessman Jorge Mendes presented José Mourinho’s name to the Real Madrid executives. Initially, the idea was rejected, but the normalization of relations between the agent and the Spanish club allowed negotiations to be resumed with vigor. What seemed like a utopian scenario in March turned into a necessity by May.

Arbeloa’s departure was already on the table, and throughout April, the club evaluated several options for the coaching staff. However, the growing unrest in the locker room and the tense atmosphere with the fans led the Real Madrid management to conclude, at the beginning of May, that Mourinho is the best solution to bring order to the club. Florentino Pérez, after hearing various opinions, imposed his will and chose the Portuguese coach.

Despite Mourinho’s public denials, sources assure that contact between the coach and Real Madrid has been constant over the past three weeks. The coach himself is aware of the delicate situation in Valdebebas, including the poor atmosphere in the locker room and the recent controversy involving Mbappé, whose attitude was reportedly an unpleasant surprise for Mourinho.

Benfica, for its part, is trying to renew Mourinho’s contract, but Real Madrid’s interest and the poor sporting moment of the Spanish club have completely changed the landscape. This has opened the door for José Mourinho to return to the Bernabéu bench for the second time, in a clear attempt to revive a giant in crisis.

José Mourinho, one of the most charismatic and controversial coaches in world football, is preparing for a challenge that could define his legacy and reignite Real Madrid’s ambitions until 2028. The war in Spanish football is far from over, and this return promises to be explosive!

This article first appeared on Apito Final.