José Mourinho has reportedly agreed a three-year deal to become the new head coach of Real Madrid, marking a sensational return to the Santiago Bernabéu more than a decade after his first spell in charge.

According to reports, an agreement has been reached between both parties, although Mourinho's official unveiling is expected to take place after the club's presidential election on June 7.

The Portuguese tactician leaves S.L. Benfica after guiding the club to a third-place finish in the Primeira Liga following his appointment in September.

Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning the La Liga title, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup while helping the club re-establish itself among Europe's elite.

He succeeds Álvaro Arbeloa, who took charge in January after the departure of Xabi Alonso but was unable to reverse the club's struggles.

Real Madrid endured a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, finishing without a major trophy. Rivals FC Barcelona secured the La Liga title, while Bayern Munich eliminated Los Blancos from the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Opinion: A High-Risk, High-Reward Appointment

Mourinho's return is one of the most intriguing managerial stories in European football.

For Real Madrid, the decision signals a desire for immediate success rather than a long-term rebuilding project. Mourinho's track record speaks for itself. Few managers possess his experience, winning mentality, and ability to handle pressure at the highest level.

However, football has changed significantly since his first stint in Madrid. The modern game increasingly favors possession-based systems, intense pressing, and youth development. Mourinho will need to demonstrate that he can adapt his methods to a new generation of players while maintaining the competitive edge that made him one of football's most successful managers.

For supporters, the appointment brings excitement and nostalgia. Mourinho's first spell produced memorable battles with Barcelona and delivered one of the greatest league campaigns in Spanish football history.

The challenge now is even greater. Expectations at Real Madrid are always sky-high, and after a season without silverware, fans will demand immediate results.

If Mourinho succeeds, it could become one of the most remarkable managerial comebacks in modern football. If not, the pressure at the Bernabéu will quickly become intense. Either way, all eyes will be on Madrid as one of football's most famous coaches prepares for a dramatic second chapter with the club.