Jose Mourinho dismisses Real Madrid return rumors while confirming commitment to Benfica contract

Jose Mourinho confirms no contact has been made with Real Madrid, stating he remains fully committed to his contract at Benfica for the next year.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 2, 2026, 3:24 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

Setting the Record Straight in Lisbon

Jose Mourinho has moved decisively to quash mounting speculation regarding a potential second stint at the Santiago Bernabéu. Addressing the media during a pre-match press conference in Lisbon, the "Special One" addressed the rumors head-on, stating that neither President Florentino Pérez nor any other representative from Real Madrid has reached out to him. This clarification comes after several weeks of intense media coverage suggesting that Mourinho was the primary candidate to succeed the current coaching staff in the Spanish capital at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 campaign.

Experience in Navigating the Rumor Mill

Drawing on his decades of experience at the highest levels of European football, Mourinho expressed a seasoned indifference to the swirling narratives surrounding his future. He noted that in the modern football landscape, rumors often take on a life of their own regardless of the underlying facts. By offering a guarantee that no talks have taken place, the Portuguese manager sought to stabilize the atmosphere surrounding both his current squad and the administrative offices of his former club, which has been under intense scrutiny during a season of transition.

Commitment to the Benfica Project

Beyond denying the Madrid links, Mourinho reaffirmed his professional obligation to Benfica, the club he joined in early 2025. He reminded the gathered press that he still has one full year remaining on his contract with the Eagles, suggesting that he intended to see out his tenure in the Primeira Liga. Since his arrival at the Estádio da Luz, Mourinho has been credited with instilling a more pragmatic defensive structure, and his comments indicate a desire to build upon the progress made during his first full season in Lisbon.