Benfica boss Jose Mourinho plays down rumours of Real Madrid return

By SABC Sport
17th February 2026

Jose Mourinho has dismissed reports linking him with a sensational comeback to the Bernabeu, insisting there is no truth to speculation about a second spell in charge of the Spanish giants.

Real head to Portugal on Tuesday evening to take on Mourinho's Benfica side in the first leg of their Champions League play-off, with a place in the last 16 of the competition up for grabs.

And, ahead of the contest, the former Real Madrid coach had plenty to say about the links and his previous time at the club.

The current Benfica boss guided Madrid to a LaLiga title, Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercup triumph during his time at the Bernabeu and takes a lot of pride in his time in Madrid.

"I gave everything to Real Madrid," Mourinho said. "Everything that I had. I've done good and bad things but I gave my all and that's it. When a professional leaves a club with that feeling there ends up being a life-time connection.

"I left 12 years ago and I've always had the feeling and the affection is there."

Mourinho has, however, once again denied speculation of a potential return to the club as coach, despite forward Vinicius Jr praising him ahead of Tuesday night's clash in Lisbon, claiming that the self-titled 'Special One' "changed the club's history a little" during his three seasons in charge.

"I don't want to feed stories that don't exist," Mourinho said on Monday. "The only thing that exists is that I have one year left on my contract with Benfica. It's a special contract as it was signed during (the club's) presidential election process.

"It has a clause that can easily be broken by me or Benfica. There's zero with Real Madrid.

"I would love to eliminate Real Madrid, but I would love for Alvaro (Arbeloa) to win LaLiga and to remain at Madrid for many years.

"He is very capable, has a lot of Madridista in him and has the personality to coach Real Madrid, which is not for everyone."