Speculation regarding Jose Mourinho's potential return to Real Madrid intensified recently after Kylian Mbappe interacted with an Instagram post discussing the possibility. The post, from "Score90" with over 3.3 million followers, featured images of Mourinho alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil during his 2012 tenure at Real. It also included a composite image depicting Mourinho working with Mbappe and Arda Guler at Real in 2026.
The accompanying caption positioned Mourinho as a leading candidate for the Real coaching role next season. It highlighted his second-highest win rate in the club's history and posed the question of whether Mourinho could "transform" Mbappe, similar to how he elevated Ronaldo's goal-scoring prowess.
Spanish media outlets reported that Mbappe's official account initially "liked" this post, though the French forward later unliked it.
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Score90's post about coach Jose Mourinho's potential reunion with Real Madrid was liked by Kylian Mbappe.
During a press conference before Real's La Liga match against Betis in round 32, coach Alvaro Arbeloa addressed questions about Mbappe's interaction. He stated, "I don't care if Mbappe likes Mourinho, Julia Roberts, or anyone else."
Real faces the prospect of a trophyless season, which has placed Arbeloa's position under scrutiny. The team suffered a shocking 2-3 defeat to Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 1/8, was eliminated from the Champions League quarter-finals by Bayern Munich, and currently sits second in La Liga, nine points behind Barca.
When asked about his future at the Bernabeu, the Spanish coach remained evasive, emphasizing his responsibility to win every match. "That's how I see it, and that's what I demand from the players. We must be professional and respect the entire team," he expressed.
Mourinho is currently considered a leading candidate should Real part ways with Arbeloa. According to Spanish newspaper AS, the Portuguese coach has even "sounded out" Real about a potential reunion. His agent, Jorge Mendes, reportedly proposed a second term for Mourinho at the Bernabeu and provided details about his release clause with Benfica.
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Coach Jose Mourinho (right) speaks with Alvaro Arbeloa during Benfica's match against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League play-off round on 17/2. *Photo: Press Wire*
Mourinho previously managed Real from 2010-2013, securing one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey, and one Supercopa de España. His win rate during that period reached 71.9%, ranking third in club history. This figure trails Manuel Pellegrini (75% from 2009-2010) and Carlo Ancelotti (74.8% from 2013-2015).
The Bernabeu owners have not yet made any decisions for next season. President Florentino Perez reportedly still admires Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino, both of whom are on the club's shortlist. Klopp currently holds a senior role within the Red Bull system, while Pochettino, who previously managed Tottenham, PSG, and Chelsea, is preparing to lead the US national team in the 2026 World Cup.
Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail, AS)
