José Mourinho was officially presented as Real Madrid’s head coach on Tuesday, returning to the club 13 years after his first spell in charge from 2010 to 2013.
The Portuguese coach was presented at a private ceremony in the boardroom of Ciudad Real Madrid, where club president Florentino Pérez welcomed him and oversaw the signing of a three-year contract that will keep Mourinho at the club until June 30, 2029, according to Real Madrid’s official website.
Mourinho was presented with a replica of the stadium, a watch and a Real Madrid jersey bearing his name. The club’s honorary president, José Martínez Pirri, also attended the ceremony.
Speaking after signing the contract, Mourinho said his return carried greater emotional significance than his first spell at the club.
“I feel this is a mission. It goes beyond words. I am here to help everyone become better and to create a culture of work, responsibility and ambition. I also want to instil the responsibility and honour of working for Real Madrid,” he said.
Mourinho repeatedly emphasised his connection with the club and its supporters, declaring: “I am a Madridista. I have always been, even since I left… I am one of you, Madridistas.”
Addressing the fans directly, he said: “I am one of you. But not just today; I have always been, since the day I was presented in 2010, the day I left in 2013.”
He also recalled the reception he received from supporters at Wembley, saying: “I have a fantastic memory of Wembley when we beat Dortmund, and the affection that was shown to me that day. I really am one of you.”
Mourinho also stressed the importance of collective responsibility at the club, particularly at its training ground in Valdebebas.
“I am here to work for Real Madrid. Everyone should follow this way. I want everyone who enters Valdebebas to feel it, that we are working for Real Madrid,” he said.
Mourinho’s comments prompted a mixed reaction on social media after journalist Fabrizio Romano shared excerpts from his presentation on X.
Some fans welcomed the appointment, while others questioned whether Mourinho could avoid the controversies and strained relationships that have characterised parts of his managerial career.
Orskyai wrote: “That Mourinho’s culture of responsibility lasted exactly three seasons at his last four clubs before the inevitable toxicity set in.”
E_ustace, however, backed the appointment, saying: “Jose is the right man to bring sanity in that dressing room.”
Another user, 001Oxygen, questioned Mourinho’s claim of being a Madridista, asking: “You are one of them when you called them cheats?”
SleeperFooty wrote: “He reallyyyyyy hates Barca and Pep now, doesn’t he?”
ItsStrivee was more sceptical, predicting: “I’m sure that José Mourinho will be sacked, as always happens.”
Mourinho will now turn his attention to the start of the LaLiga campaign, with Real Madrid set to face Espanyol on Saturday in their opening league fixture of the season.
