It is said to be gnawing at Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho that he never managed to pick up the Champions League trophy while he was in charge of Real Madrid. – He has two Champions League triumphs, with Porto and Inter Milan.
Now back in his home country as manager of Benfica, there is talk of a return to Real Madrid at the end of the season, also Chelsea from whom he has picked up two fat parachutes.
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Mourinho opens up for reunion with Real Madrid
Highlights: Porto, Inter, Chelsea – and now he could be on his way back to the royal club.
José Mourinho, 63, has once again been mentioned as a possible candidate for Real Madrid. Now the coach has reportedly given the green light for a move back to the Spanish big club.
Portuguese newspaper Record recently floated Mourinho as a name to replace interim Álvaro Arbeloa, and reports claimed that Mourinho was indeed among the candidates considered. Now, Mourinho himself has signaled that he is open to a return to Real Madrid, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The 63-year-old is said to be ready and excited for the task – if the opportunity arises. So far, however, there is nothing concrete from Real Madrid and president Florentino Pérez’s side. – Another rumor is that the president wants a “sure success” and wants to bring back Zinedine Zidane, even though the two were a constant power struggle.
– The Special One’s heyday in Madrid and Europe
Mourinho managed “Los Blancos” from 2010 to 2013. During that period, he won one league title (2011/12) and one cup title (Copa del Rey 2010/11). He is still highly respected for breaking Barcelona’s dominance in Spain with a record 100 points and 121 goals in one season.
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Mourinho’s track record is huge:
- Porto (2002–2004): Two Portuguese league titles, one Champions League title (2004) and one UEFA Cup title.
- Chelsea (2004–2007, 2013–2015): Three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups.
- Inter (2008–2010): Two Serie A titles, one Champions League title (2010) – the legendary treble season.
- Real Madrid (2010–2013): One La Liga title, one Copa del Rey.
- Manchester United (2016–2018): Two titles (Europa League and League Cup).
- Tottenham (2019–2021): Led Spurs to the League Cup final.
- Roma (2021–2024): Won the Conference League (2022) – the club’s first European trophy in over a decade.
- Fenerbahçe and current Benfica (2024– ).
Several big names in the battle for the Real Madrid job
However, Mourinho is not alone in the battle for the coaching job at the Santiago Bernabéu. In the past, The Athletic has highlighted several heavy names as potential successors: Jürgen Klopp, Didier Deschamps, Mauricio Pochettino and not least club legend Zinedine Zidane – who has already won the Champions League three times in a row with Madrid.
One thing is certain: if Mourinho returns to Madrid, it will be one of the most sensational comebacks in modern football history.
