Few football comebacks generate as much buzz as a return to the Bernabéu. José Mourinho, the self-styled “Special One,” is back at Real Madrid after 13 years, officially appointed on 11 June 2026.
Current club: Real Madrid ·
Instagram followers: 6 million ·
Appointed at Real Madrid: 1 July 2026 ·
Age: 63 (born 26 January 1963)
Quick snapshot
- Real Madrid announced Mourinho as head coach on 11 June 2026 (Real Madrid official announcement)
- Contract runs until 30 June 2029 (Sky Sports)
- He coached Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013 (The Athletic)
- Exact net worth figure (not publicly disclosed)
- Whether he will win another Champions League trophy
- Future beyond Real Madrid
- Pre-season began 13 July 2026 (Real Madrid)
- First friendly: vs Fiorentina on 1 August 2026 (ESPN)
- La Liga season starts August 2026
- Champions League group stage
- Potential squad rebuild under Mourinho
Six key facts about Mourinho’s career and current situation, one pattern: a manager who keeps returning to old stomping grounds.
| Full name | José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 26 January 1963 |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Current club | Real Madrid |
| Previous clubs | Benfica, Fenerbahce, Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Porto |
Which club is José Mourinho going to now?
Current club: Real Madrid
- Mourinho is the head coach of Real Madrid, appointed on 1 July 2026 (The Guardian).
- The contract runs for three seasons until 30 June 2029 (CNN).
- He began pre-season on 13 July 2026 at Valdebebas (The Athletic).
Previous clubs
- Before Real Madrid, Mourinho managed Benfica (2025–2026) and Fenerbahce (2024–2025).
- His first stint at Real Madrid was 2010–2013, winning La Liga in 2012 (The Guardian).
- Other clubs: Chelsea (two stints), Inter Milan, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma.
Future speculation
- No credible reports of a move beyond Real Madrid as of 2026.
- Mourinho has said his future is at Real Madrid (ESPN).
Is José Mourinho a millionaire?
Net worth estimate
- Mourinho is a millionaire, with estimates ranging from $100 million to $200 million.
- His salary at Real Madrid is reportedly in the region of €15 million per season (Sky Sports).
Comparison with other managers
- He is among the richest managers in football, alongside Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp.
- His wealth comes from coaching salaries, endorsements, and book deals.
Mourinho’s financial standing gives him independence: he doesn’t need to take a job for money, only for the right challenge.
Why did Tottenham sack José Mourinho?
Tottenham sacking
- Tottenham sacked Mourinho in April 2021 after a poor run of results (Reuters).
- He failed to win a trophy at Tottenham, despite reaching the Carabao Cup final.
Manchester United sacking
- Manchester United sacked Mourinho in December 2018 due to poor results and player discontent (The Guardian).
- He had won the Europa League and League Cup but fell out with key players.
Mourinho’s sackings at both clubs followed a similar script: a strong start, a trophy, then a third-season collapse.
Did Mourinho coach Ronaldo?
Ronaldo at Real Madrid
- Mourinho coached Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013 (The Athletic).
- During that period, Ronaldo scored 168 goals in 168 appearances under Mourinho.
Mourinho’s relationship with Ronaldo
- The relationship was professional but reportedly strained at times.
- Both have spoken positively about each other in interviews.
Coaching a superstar like Ronaldo required Mourinho to adapt his man-management style, a challenge that foreshadowed later friction at other clubs.
Is Mourinho still a good coach?
Tottenham trophies
- Mourinho did not win any trophies at Tottenham.
- He was sacked six days before the 2021 Carabao Cup final.
Current coaching ability
- Despite setbacks, Mourinho remains highly regarded for his tactical acumen and motivation skills.
- His return to Real Madrid is seen as a challenge to prove he still belongs at the elite level (The Athletic).
Timeline of Mourinho’s career
- 2004–2007: First Chelsea stint, two Premier League titles
- 2008–2010: Inter Milan, historic treble in 2010
- 2010–2013: Real Madrid, La Liga title in 2012
- 2013–2015: Second Chelsea stint, Premier League in 2015
- 2016–2018: Manchester United, Europa League and League Cup
- 2019–2021: Tottenham, sacked April 2021
- 2021–2024: Roma, won UEFA Europa Conference League
- 2024–2025: Fenerbahce
- 2025–2026: Benfica
- 2026–present: Real Madrid (second stint)
Mourinho’s career shows a pattern of quick success followed by tension — Real Madrid will test whether he can break that cycle.
Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- He is currently manager of Real Madrid (Real Madrid official announcement)
- He coached Ronaldo at Real Madrid (AS USA)
- He was sacked by Tottenham (Reuters)
What’s unclear
- His future after Real Madrid
- Whether he will win another Champions League
- Exact net worth figure
The pattern: Mourinho’s career is defined by bold claims and uneven outcomes, with his Real Madrid return as the ultimate test.
Quotes
“I am on a mission.”
— José Mourinho, on his first day back at Valdebebas (ESPN)
“Real Madrid CF announces that José Mourinho will be the new head coach of the first team for the next three seasons.”
— Real Madrid official statement (Real Madrid)
Summary
José Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid is a high-stakes gamble for both parties. For the club, it’s a bet on a proven winner who can rebuild a squad and challenge for trophies. For Mourinho, it’s a chance to silence doubters and cement his legacy as one of the greats. For Real Madrid fans, the choice is clear: embrace the Special One’s return, or watch another season of what-ifs.
The announcement of Mourinhos return to Real Madrid has generated excitement among football fans worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
What is Jose Mourinho’s playing career?
Mourinho never played professional football; he was a physical education teacher before becoming a coach.
How many languages does he speak?
He speaks Portuguese, Spanish, English, Italian, and French.
What is his salary at Real Madrid?
Reportedly around €15 million per season, according to Sky Sports.
Does he have any children?
Yes, two children: Matilde and José.
What is his tactical style?
Mourinho is known for pragmatic, defensive organization and quick counter-attacks, often adapting to the opponent.
Why is he called ‘The Special One’?
He coined the phrase at his first Chelsea press conference in 2004, saying “I’m not one from the bottle, I’m the Special One.”
Has he won the Champions League?
Yes, he won the Champions League with Porto (2004) and Inter Milan (2010).
What is his relationship with the media?
Mourinho has a famously combative relationship with the media, often using press conferences for psychological games.
Related reading
- Sam Allardyce biography – another English manager with a turbulent career.
- Paul Scholes biography – a player Mourinho coached at Manchester United.
Henry William Bennett Murray is a staff writer for CivicInsight.uk, covering UK public affairs, policy and civic life. He works under Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Langford, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.