Perez Promises Jose Mourinho's Return to Real Madrid If Re-Elected

Top Summary

• What happened: Florentino Perez has pledged to bring back Jose Mourinho as Real Madrid manager if he is re-elected this Sunday.
• Why it matters: This is the club's first contested presidential election in 20 years, sparked by two consecutive trophyless seasons.
• What changes: If Perez wins, Mourinho will return to the Bernabeu 13 years after his departure to lead a star-studded squad.
• Who is affected: Real Madrid's first-team squad, interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, and rival candidate Enrique Riquelme.

Perez's Bold Election Pledge

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has made a stunning campaign announcement ahead of Sunday's presidential election. In a short video shared across his social media channels, Perez confirmed that Jose Mourinho will return as manager if he secures another term.

The promotional clip features the Portuguese coach simply stating a single word:

"Yes!"

The announcement video features the slogan "So MOUch history to be made", referencing the coach's historic past with the Spanish giants. The move comes as Perez faces a challenge from renewable energy entrepreneur Enrique Riquelme in the club's first contested election in two decades.

A Search for Discipline and Silverware

The decision to pursue Mourinho follows a disappointing domestic season where rivals Barcelona secured consecutive La Liga titles. Furthermore, the 15-time Champions League winners were eliminated at the quarterfinal stage in each of the last two seasons.

These consecutive failures to win major silverware prompted Perez to call for the upcoming elections. Perez reportedly views Mourinho as the ideal figure to bring structure and discipline back to the dressing room.

The incoming manager will be tasked with guiding a star-studded roster that includes world-class talents such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Jude Bellingham.

Mourinho's return would come 13 years after he left the club in 2013, having originally joined in 2010.

Rival Candidate Outlines Alternate Vision

Perez's announcement was timed alongside a television appearance by his opponent, Enrique Riquelme, on the Spanish program El Hormiguero. Riquelme presented a vastly different plan for the club's future, promising high-profile signings and a club legend in management.

Riquelme revealed that Manchester City midfielder and Spain captain Rodri would be his very first signing if elected on Sunday. He also stated his intent to target Manchester City forward Erling Haaland and install club great Raul as sports director.

This contrasted sharply with Perez's sudden focus on Mourinho. Despite previous reports linking him to the job, Mourinho had recently claimed that no contact had been made with Real Madrid.

Mourinho's Path Since Madrid

During his previous three-season tenure in Madrid, Mourinho won a La Liga title in 2012 with a record points tally, alongside a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup. Since leaving the club, his trophy collection has been more modest.

Mourinho subsequently won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2015, followed by the League Cup and Europa League with Manchester United. He later guided AS Roma to the inaugural third-tier Conference League title.

The veteran manager has also managed Tottenham Hotspur, Fenerbahce, and Benfica. He remains under contract with Benfica until June 2027, where he recently indicated the Portuguese side had offered him a contract extension.

The Managerial Void in Madrid

Real Madrid has faced significant managerial instability this season. The club sacked Xabi Alonso in January, terminating his contract during his very first season in charge of the team.

Following Alonso's dismissal, Alvaro Arbeloa was appointed as interim coach. Arbeloa has managed the first team to the end of the season, leaving the permanent position vacant ahead of Sunday's crucial vote.

What to Watch Next

All eyes turn to Sunday's presidential election, which will immediately decide the managerial and transfer direction of Real Madrid. A victory for Perez will initiate immediate talks to release Mourinho from his Benfica contract before June 2027. Conversely, an upset win by Riquelme will trigger immediate pursuit of Rodri, Haaland, and the appointment of Raul.