Khedira returns to Real Madrid as Mourinho names full coaching staff for 2026–27

Sami Khedira will return to Real Madrid as an assistant coach under José Mourinho in July 2026, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed — eleven years after the former Germany international left the Bernabéu on a free transfer to Juventus. The 37-year-old’s appointment marks his first senior bench role since retiring in 2021.

Khedira spent five years at Madrid between 2010 and 2015, arriving from VfB Stuttgart as one of Mourinho’s first signings during the Portuguese coach’s original spell in charge. He was a consistent starter throughout that period, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa before departing. His return is being framed inside the club as a deliberate effort to anchor the new backroom unit with figures who carry institutional weight at the Bernabéu.

According to Romano and reports from The Athletic and Spanish outlets, Khedira’s role extends beyond standard tactical support. He is understood to have been selected specifically for a liaison function — bridging the dressing room, the coaching staff and club leadership — with his multilingual profile and World Cup winner’s status central to that brief. Mourinho is said to have pushed personally for his inclusion, with Khedira chosen ahead of former Madrid teammate Pepe, who had also been seriously considered.

Mourinho’s wider staff structure is now taking shape. Alongside Khedira, the Portuguese coach is bringing João Tralhão and Pedro Machado as assistant coaches, António Dias as fitness coach, Roberto Merella as performance analyst, and Nuno Santos as goalkeeping coach. Marca has drawn a parallel with Aitor Karanka’s role during Mourinho’s first tenure — a trusted ex-Madrid player serving as a cultural and institutional anchor within a largely Portuguese backroom unit.

Since retiring, Khedira has worked as a television pundit and on developmental projects with FIFA. He holds coaching qualifications, and those inside the club view that combination of media experience and formal preparation as appropriate groundwork for a high-responsibility position.

Real Madrid are expected to present the full staff structure formally ahead of the 2026–27 season, with Khedira’s precise day-to-day tactical responsibilities still to be defined. Attention will then shift to how Mourinho’s summer transfer priorities intersect with the squad his new staff will inherit.