Real Madrid is searching for a new head coach to lead the club after the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season [1].
Finding a replacement for Álvarez Arboleja is a priority for the club's leadership following a period of under-performance. President Florentino Pérez is reportedly seeking an experienced manager capable of restoring the team's dominance in Spain and Europe [1].
José Mourinho has emerged as a primary candidate in several reports. According to OKAZ, Mourinho is the preferred choice of President Florentino Pérez [1]. However, Mourinho's own preferences may differ; he said, "Roma is my favorite place and this is my next goal" [2].
Other potential candidates have also surfaced in recent reports. Emarat Al Youm reported on April 28 [3] that the Real Madrid administration has engaged in direct contact with Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni. This suggests the club is exploring multiple tactical directions before making a final decision.
While high-profile managers are the focus of serious reports, some speculation has taken a more lighthearted tone. A Spanish journalist said via MSN that the next coach would be "under the shoe of Vinícius" — a humorous nod to the influence of the club's star forward [4].
Despite these varying reports, the timeline remains consistent across sources. The appointment is expected to take place in mid-2026, once the current campaign ends [2]. The club continues to weigh the stability of an experienced veteran like Mourinho against the modern success of a coach like Scaloni.
“José Mourinho is the preferred choice of President Florentino Pérez”
The search for a new manager reflects Real Madrid's urgency to pivot away from a period of under-performance. By weighing a legendary figure like Mourinho against a contemporary success like Scaloni, the board is balancing the desire for established prestige with the need for modern tactical innovation.
