Mourinho Signs for Real Madrid Until 2029: 'This Is a Homecoming'
The Portuguese coach signed a contract until 2029 in a quiet ceremony at the training center, far from the spectacle Real Madrid usually uses to present its stars.
The Portuguese coach signed a contract until 2029 in a quiet ceremony at the training center, far from the spectacle Real Madrid usually uses to present its stars.
Jose Mourinho officially signed a contract with Real Madrid on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, until June 2029. The ceremony took place in the executive boardroom of the Ciudad Real Madrid training complex, in the presence of club president Florentino Perez and honorary president Jose Martinez Pirri, as reported by HRT Sport.
This is the Portuguese tactician's second stint at the helm of the Madrid club, which he previously managed from 2010 to 2013. During that time, he won the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. According to data from FIFA WC 2026, 16 years have passed since his first signing for the club.
Mourinho began working with the squad on July 10, 2026, at the start of preseason preparations, returning to Real from Benfica. The club has gone without a trophy for the past two seasons, which has put pressure on the management.
"This is a homecoming. Emotionally, it's even better than the first time because back then it felt like reaching the pinnacle of the football world, whereas now it's more heartfelt and genuine. I am one of you; I always have been, and you can imagine what it means to me to work for Real Madrid," Mourinho told the club's official television channel.
He also described his role as a mission. "I'm here to help everyone improve: the players, the staff... To foster a culture of hard work, responsibility, ambition, and something I know well-the duty and honor of working for Real Madrid," he said.
Fabrizio Romano also relayed his message: "I absolutely love Real Madrid. This club is the ultimate destination both professionally and emotionally."
Perez personally oversaw one of Real's most aggressive transfer windows in years. The club has brought in Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahim Konate, Denzel Dumfries, and Carlos Espio, and has also extended the contract of winger Vinicius Jr.
The new signings are expected to be unveiled in the coming days, using the same low-key approach as with Mourinho. Real will open their new La Liga season on Saturday with an away match against Espanyol in Barcelona.
After 11 years without a league title and four years without a trophy, Mourinho returns with a strong point to prove. Once known as the "Special One," a nickname he coined in 2004 upon being appointed Chelsea manager, he now seeks a new opportunity to restore the club's standards.
