Jose Mourinho Denies Rumor of Returning to Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho denied returning to Real Madrid (Instagram/@slbenfica).

JAKARTA - Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has denied rumours of a possible return to Real Madrid this summer.

Los Blancos parted ways with Xabi Alonso last week after less than eight months in charge. In the meantime, they appointed Alvaro Arbeloa, coach of Real Madrid's reserve team.

Asked about speculation that Real Madrid want to bring him back for the 2026/2027 season, Mourinho denied after Benfica's 2-0 win at Rio Ave at the weekend.

"Don't count on me for soap operas. There are many good soap operas, but they are too long. Then you miss one or two episodes and you lose track."

Don't count on me, I don't watch soap operas," Mourinho said to deny rumors of returning to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 62-year-old coach led Real Madrid to win the LaLiga title as well as the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup for three seasons (2010-2013) with the Spanish giant.

The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager took over at Benfica in September 2025 and has a contract until June 2027.

Benfica, who are in third place in the Primeira Liga (Portuguese Premier League) standings, are 10 points behind leaders FC Porto.

They will play against Juventus in the Champions League on Thursday, January 22, 2026, early morning WIB, before hosting Mourinho's former club, Real Madrid, on January 29, 2026 WIB.