Fans divided as Real Madrid weighs Mourinho return

Real Madrid are reportedly considering bringing back Jose Mourinho as head coach, 13 years after the Portuguese’s first spell at the Santiago Bernabéu. This move has sharply divided supporters and stirred debate across Spanish football.

The 63-year-old manager remains under contract with Benfica until 2027. Still, his deal reportedly contains a clause allowing him to leave within 10 days of the season’s end if a release fee of around $3 million is paid.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has historically favoured managers familiar with Madrid’s culture and pressures. Both Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane returned for second spells, and Perez is believed to view Mourinho as the authoritative figure capable of restoring discipline and competitiveness.

Madrid are on course to finish a second consecutive season without a major trophy, while reports of a dressing room crisis, including a training ground altercation between Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, have intensified concerns surrounding the club.

Mourinho’s first stint at Madrid between 2010 and 2013 was one of the most turbulent periods in the club’s modern history. His tenure was marked by confrontations with players, referees, rivals and sections of the media.

Yet many inside the club still believe his aggressive mentality and relentless competitiveness laid the foundations for the Champions League successes later achieved under Ancelotti and Zidane.

Supporters remain deeply divided over the prospect of his return.

A loyal section of the fanbase backed Mourinho throughout his controversial first spell, viewing him as the manager who reignited Madrid’s competitive edge against FC Barcelona during the peak of the Pep Guardiola era.

Others, however, felt his combative behaviour damaged the club’s image and clashed with Madrid’s traditional values.

But frustration over recent performances and internal instability has shifted much of the criticism toward the current squad rather than the club hierarchy, softening resistance to Mourinho’s possible comeback among some supporters and pundits.

Reactions are also said to be mixed inside the dressing room. Some players are believed to favour change following the struggles under Alvaro Arbeloa, while others remain cautious about Mourinho’s demanding management style.

The Portuguese coach has few direct connections with the current squad, although he previously worked briefly with defender Dean Huijsen during the youngster’s loan spell at AS Roma.

The reactions of superstar players such as Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham are expected to play a major role in how any appointment is received.

Mbappe, who reportedly admired Mourinho’s Madrid side as a youngster, even liked a social media post discussing the possibility of the Portuguese manager’s return.

Mourinho also attracted criticism earlier this year following comments related to allegations of racist abuse made by Vinicius Junior after a Champions League match against Benfica.

Despite the backlash, sources close to Vinicius reportedly indicated they would not oppose Mourinho’s appointment, even as contract negotiations with the Brazilian remain unresolved.

Mourinho’s tactical philosophy remains well-established, focusing on defensive organisation, rapid transitions and a willingness to sacrifice possession for efficiency.

Ironically, Madrid’s recent European successes under Ancelotti were also built on disciplined defending and devastating counter-attacks, leading some observers to believe Mourinho’s pragmatic style could still suit parts of the squad.