Jose Mourinho signs Real Madrid contract

Manchester United have seen several former managers go on to take major jobs after leaving Old Trafford, but few stories carry the weight and attention that Jose Mourinho’s latest move now brings.

The Portuguese coach remains one of football’s most decorated and polarising figures, with his name continuing to dominate headlines wherever he goes.

Despite criticism in recent years, Jose Mourinho has never lost his reputation as a serial winner capable of transforming elite clubs under pressure.

Now, one of European football’s biggest institutions has turned back to a familiar face in search of a revival.

Jose Mourinho signs contract with Real Madrid

According to The Athletic, Jose Mourinho has signed his contract to become the next head coach of Real Madrid, completing a sensational return to the Santiago Bernabeu more than a decade after his first spell in charge.

The 63-year-old reportedly put pen to paper last week and is expected to be formally unveiled after the club’s presidential elections on June 7.

His new deal is set to run until June 2029.

The appointment comes directly under the backing of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who remains confident of retaining control of the club despite being challenged in the upcoming election by businessman Enrique Riquelme.

The challenger openly admitted earlier this week that Mourinho would not have been his choice for the role, but Perez appears determined to restore one of the most successful and demanding personalities in modern football to the Madrid bench.

Work has already begun behind the scenes regarding Mourinho’s coaching staff and the club’s summer recruitment plans, with Madrid desperate to recover after enduring a second straight season without a major trophy.

Xabi Alonso had already been dismissed back in January, while Alvaro Arbeloa stepped in temporarily from Real Madrid Castilla before confirming his departure following the final game of the campaign against Athletic Club on May 22.

Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning three domestic trophies during that spell, including the famous 2011-12 La Liga title where Madrid broke records for points accumulated across a season.

His return is expected to cost the Spanish giants around €15 million.

For Manchester United supporters, Mourinho’s latest appointment will also bring back memories of his time at Old Trafford between 2016 and 2018.

Although his reign ended on difficult terms, the Portuguese coach still delivered three trophies to the club, lifting the Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield before his exit in December 2018.

Now, after years away from Madrid, Jose Mourinho has once again been handed the responsibility of restoring one of football’s biggest clubs back to the summit of European football.