Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez said Wednesday that José Mourinho will return to manage the club if Pérez is re-elected president [1].
The move represents a high-stakes gamble to restore the club's dominance after two seasons without major silverware [1]. By linking a high-profile managerial appointment to the election outcome, Pérez is positioning Mourinho as a primary incentive for voters to maintain his leadership.
Pérez shared the announcement through his social-media channels on June 3 [1, 2]. He said that the appointment is strictly conditional on the results of the upcoming club election. "If I am re-elected, José will be back at Real Madrid," Pérez said [1].
Mourinho expressed his willingness to return to the Spanish capital. "I am ready to return and fight for titles," Mourinho said [2].
The transition involves a financial commitment to Mourinho's current club. A spokesperson for Benfica said that Real Madrid will activate a €15 million release clause, which is approximately $17.4 million, provided the conditions of the appointment are met [3].
The club's presidential election is scheduled for Sunday, June 7 [1]. While some reports suggested a contract had already been signed, other sources indicate the agreement remains contingent on the election result [1, 4].
Pérez is seeking to reverse a recent slump in trophies to secure his legacy. The return of Mourinho, a former manager of the club, is intended to signal a return to a winning culture as the club enters a new competitive cycle [1, 2].
“"If I am re-elected, José will be back at Real Madrid."”
This strategy transforms a sporting decision into a political tool for the June 7 election. By promising the return of a polarizing but successful figure like Mourinho, Pérez is attempting to mobilize the fanbase through the prospect of immediate trophy contention, effectively making the manager's appointment a referendum on his own presidency.
