Florentino Perez has secured another term as president of Real Madrid after winning the club’s presidential election by a commanding margin, a victory that is expected to usher in the sensational return of Jose Mourinho to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 79-year-old construction magnate, who has led Real Madrid across two successful spells spanning more than two decades, received 65 percent of the votes cast by approximately 100,000 club members. His victory saw him comfortably defeat challenger Enrique Riquelme, ensuring continuity at the helm of one of football’s most prestigious institutions.
Addressing supporters after the election result was confirmed, Perez promised to continue building on Real Madrid’s legacy and restoring the club to the top of European football.
“We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles,” Perez said.
Mourinho’s Return Imminent
Perez’s triumph appears to have cleared the final obstacle to Mourinho’s highly anticipated return to Madrid.
According to reports, the Portuguese tactician is expected to be officially unveiled as Real Madrid’s new head coach as early as Monday. The club is believed to have agreed to pay Mourinho’s current employers, Benfica, a release fee of around €15 million to facilitate the move.
The appointment would mark Mourinho’s first return to the Bernabeu since departing in 2013 after a turbulent but memorable three-year spell.
Perez appeared to confirm the club’s intentions during his victory speech.
“We will continue to take pride in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, the best stadium in the world,” he said.
“Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho.”
Why Real Madrid Wants Mourinho Back
Mourinho’s first tenure at Real Madrid remains one of the most discussed periods in the club’s modern history.
Arriving in 2010 after winning the UEFA Champions League with Inter Milan, Mourinho was tasked with ending the dominance of Barcelona under Pep Guardiola.
Despite facing arguably one of the greatest teams in football history, Mourinho succeeded in restoring Real Madrid’s competitiveness. His side won the 2011 Copa del Rey before capturing the 2011-12 La Liga title with a then-record 100 points and 121 goals.
That championship ended Barcelona’s domestic dominance and remains one of the most impressive league campaigns in Spanish football history.
His teams were known for their intensity, tactical discipline, and winning mentality, qualities many supporters believe have been lacking in recent seasons.
Pressure to Deliver Results
The decision to bring Mourinho back comes after a disappointing period for Los Blancos.
Real Madrid finished the 2025/26 season without winning a major trophy, extending their drought to two consecutive campaigns. Such a run is considered unacceptable by the club’s demanding standards, leading Perez to seek a proven winner capable of quickly turning fortunes around.
While Mourinho remains one of football’s most decorated managers, his appointment is not without risk.
The Portuguese coach has developed a reputation for creating intense environments and has often left clubs amid controversy. However, Perez appears convinced that Mourinho’s experience, leadership, and connection with the club outweigh any potential concerns.
Supporters will now be eager to see whether the veteran manager can adapt his methods to modern football and guide a new generation of stars back to glory.
Transfer Plans Already Under Discussion
With Mourinho expected to take charge, attention is already shifting toward Real Madrid’s summer transfer strategy.
Reports suggest the Portuguese manager wants several additions to strengthen key areas of the squad. Midfield reinforcements, defensive depth, and a world-class striker are believed to be among the club’s priorities.
Meanwhile, defeated presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme had attempted to sway voters with a bold promise to sign Erling Haaland from Manchester City.
The proposal generated significant excitement among supporters but ultimately failed to prevent Perez from securing another term.
Whether Perez pursues a blockbuster move for Haaland remains to be seen, but Real Madrid’s ambitions are unlikely to diminish following Mourinho’s arrival.
A New Era Begins
The combination of Perez’s continued leadership and Mourinho’s expected appointment signals the start of a new chapter for Real Madrid.
Both men are among the most influential figures in the club’s modern history, and their reunion is certain to attract enormous attention across world football.
For Real Madrid supporters, the hope is that the partnership can restore the club’s winning culture and bring major trophies back to the Santiago Bernabeu after two frustrating seasons.
As Mourinho prepares for his second spell in charge, expectations will be immense. But if history has shown anything, it is that the Portuguese coach rarely shies away from football’s biggest challenges.