Florentino Pérez said José Mourinho will become Real Madrid’s first-team manager if Pérez is re-elected as club president [1, 2].
The announcement ties the future of one of soccer's most polarizing managers to the outcome of a high-stakes leadership battle for the Spanish club. A return for Mourinho would mark a significant shift in the team's tactical direction and a return to a previous era of Pérez's presidency.
Pérez said the news on his X account on June 3, 2026 [1, 3]. The move is contingent on the results of the club presidential election, which was scheduled for Sunday, June 2, 2026 [1, 2]. Some reports listed the election date as the 7th [2].
The 79-year-old Pérez is facing a challenge for the presidency from 37-year-old Enrique Riquelme [2]. By naming Mourinho as his choice for manager, Pérez is leveraging a high-profile appointment to define his vision for the club's next term, a strategy aimed at consolidating support among the club's voting members.
While some reports initially suggested the appointment was unconditional [3], other sources said that Mourinho's return depends entirely on the election outcome [1]. The move signals Pérez's intent to bring back a manager known for a rigorous and often controversial approach to the game.
Real Madrid has not officially confirmed the appointment as a completed hire, as the legal and administrative requirements of the presidency must be settled first. The decision to link a managerial hire to an election result is an unusual move in European soccer, highlighting the unique political structure of the club.
“José Mourinho will become Real Madrid’s first-team manager if Pérez is re-elected”
This development underscores the intersection of sports management and club politics at Real Madrid. By promising a return for Mourinho, Pérez is not just selecting a coach but is campaigning on a specific identity for the club. If Pérez wins, the return of Mourinho suggests a pivot toward a more aggressive leadership style on the pitch, potentially altering the club's relationship with players and the media.
