Story perspectives

Casillas Opposes Mourinho Return as Benfica Exit Sparks Real Talk

5/13/2026

Summary

Casillas Rejects Mourinho

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas said he does not want José Mourinho to return to Real Madrid.
Coach José Mourinho, 63, is ending his two-year Benfica contract and is in final talks to become Real Madrid’s next head coach.
President Florentino Pérez, who will run in the upcoming board election, declined to name any coaching candidates.
Former Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder backed Mourinho.

Summary

Real Madrid Trigger

Real Madrid can trigger a €3 million release clause in José Mourinho’s Benfica contract within ten days after the season ends.
Mourinho has named Antonio Silva, Diogo Costa and Ruben Neves as signing targets required for his return.
Agent Jorge Mendes is conducting the negotiations with Real Madrid.
President Florentino Pérez will address the coaching saga at a Tuesday-evening press conference, while a “Mbappé Out” petition has attracted over 73 million signatures.

History

Historical Context

When Florentino Pérez hired José Mourinho in June 2009, the appointment arrived as Real Madrid already featured stars Iker Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo; the team then set a club record of 96 points that season. Mourinho’s 2012-13 exit and Pérez’s recurring Galácticos spending illustrate the club’s habit of using marquee coaches to reshape its identity and steer future board and transfer policies.

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Casillas Rejects Mourinho

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas said he does not want José Mourinho to return to Real Madrid.
Coach José Mourinho, 63, is ending his two-year Benfica contract and is in final talks to become Real Madrid’s next head coach.
President Florentino Pérez, who will run in the upcoming board election, declined to name any coaching candidates.
Former Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder backed Mourinho.

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