José Mourinho Denies Real Madrid Contact, Pledges Full Focus on Benfica Until Season End

José Mourinho addressed mounting speculation about a potential return to Real Madrid during a press conference on 11 May 2026, categorically denying any dialogue with the Spanish club and reaffirming his commitment to Benfica.

“There are still people talking about Real Madrid, but I’m avoiding it. I’ve had absolutely no contact with them, not with the president or anyone else at the club,” the 63-year-old said. He added: “I won’t speak to anyone until after our final league game against Estoril. After that, there may be time to consider things, but all the stories about meetings and demands are only speculation.”

The Portuguese manager, who previously led Real Madrid to La Liga success during his spell at the club between 2010 and 2013, currently holds a contract at Benfica running until 2027. According to reports, a €3 million release clause in that deal has continued to attract external interest and sustain speculation over his future.

Real Madrid’s managerial situation has become a subject of increasing scrutiny following a trophy-less 2025/26 season. Their La Liga title aspirations were formally ended by a 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in El Clásico, with Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres both on the scoresheet for the Catalan side. The defeat marked a difficult conclusion to what has been described as a turbulent campaign for the Madrid outfit.

Adding to the instability, former manager Xabi Alonso was dismissed during the season, while off-field tensions reportedly surfaced within the squad. Sources suggest midfielders Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde were involved in a training-ground altercation that led to disciplinary action, further highlighting the challenges facing the club’s hierarchy as they plan for the next campaign.

Mourinho, who has previously managed Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, and Fenerbahçe, is no stranger to high-profile managerial speculation. His emphasis on waiting until the conclusion of Benfica’s season before considering any external opportunities reflects a position he has maintained throughout his career — avoiding distractions during an active campaign.

Benfica’s final league fixture against Estoril represents the immediate focus for the former Chelsea and Manchester United boss. Until that match is played, Mourinho has made clear he will not entertain conversations about his future, regardless of the speculation surrounding Real Madrid’s search for a new head coach.

Real Madrid are yet to make any official announcement regarding their managerial plans for the 2026/27 season.