Real Madrid sack Arbeloa to clear path for Mourinho's return under re-elected Perez

Real Madrid have parted ways with head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, the club confirmed in an official statement, accelerating what appears to be an imminent return for José Mourinho. The move comes days after Florentino Perez won the club’s presidential election and publicly committed to reappointing the Portuguese manager.

The club’s statement thanked Arbeloa for his “loyalty, commitment, and professionalism,” adding that “Real Madrid will always be his home.” Arbeloa had only taken charge in January, himself replacing Xabi Alonso after a brief and unsuccessful stint. The managerial upheaval failed to arrest a difficult season: Real finished second in La Liga and were eliminated from both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League without a trophy to show for the campaign.

Mourinho’s return has been building momentum for some time. Reports have suggested Real Madrid have already reached an agreement with Benfica, Mourinho’s most recent club, to release him from his contract. Perez made his intentions explicit during his re-election campaign, telling supporters: “Proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho. And rest assured, with me as president, Real Madrid has been, is, and will always remain owned by its members.”

Perez also used his victory speech to reaffirm the club’s broader ambitions, vowing to pursue a record-extending 16th European Cup and expressing pride in the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Arbeloa’s exit is the clearest structural signal yet that the Mourinho appointment is close. The Portuguese coach previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga in the 2011-12 season — the title that ended Barcelona’s run of dominance — as well as the Copa del Rey.

Separately, Real Madrid also confirmed this week that a significant bid for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez was rejected by their city rivals, underlining the scale of the squad-building challenge that awaits whoever takes the dugout.