Former Newcastle United and England striker Alan Shearer has said he would be “really surprised” if José Mourinho returned to Real Madrid, responding to mounting speculation that the veteran manager could be heading back to the Santiago Bernabéu for a second stint.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer expressed scepticism over the reported interest while stopping short of dismissing Mourinho’s credentials entirely. “I’d be really surprised if José Mourinho went back to Real Madrid. I don’t know whether that’s them testing the waters or something coming from Mourinho’s camp,” he said.
Despite his reservations about the potential move, Shearer was measured in his assessment of Mourinho’s current form as a manager. “José has still got a bit of magic. They’re unbeaten this season, and he’ll always go down as one of the greats,” he added.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning one La Liga title during a period that also included notable clashes with rival club Barcelona and manager Pep Guardiola. His return to the Bernabéu would represent one of the more high-profile managerial reunions in recent European football history.
According to reports, Mourinho has emerged as a candidate as Real Madrid assess their managerial options. Sources suggest his longstanding relationship with club president Florentino Pérez has been a significant factor in the speculation gaining traction. Mourinho is reportedly open to the possibility of returning to the Spanish capital.
The 63-year-old is currently contracted at Benfica until the end of next season, though reports indicate a clause in his deal could allow him to depart early this summer, a detail that has further fuelled talk of a potential move. His work at the Lisbon club has reportedly attracted attention from Madrid’s hierarchy, with Benfica remaining unbeaten in the current season under his management.
Mourinho himself has already addressed the rumours publicly. In a previous statement, the manager indicated there had been “no contact from Real Madrid,” though the reports have continued to circulate. Sources also suggest the move is not without internal resistance, with at least one notable figure at the club reportedly pushing back against the idea.
Should Mourinho depart Benfica ahead of schedule and secure a return to the Bernabéu, he would become only the second manager in the club’s modern era to serve two separate tenures, a distinction that underscores the unusual nature of the reported interest. Real Madrid’s next managerial appointment carries significant weight given the club’s ambitions in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
