Mourinho explains why he left Benfica to rejoin Real Madrid

In February 2026, while still managing Benfica, José Mourinho said a comeback to Real Madrid could be declined, but four months later he accepted the offer and left Benfica. Speaking at a UEFA press conference, he explained that the allure of Real Madrid’s historic status and his personal pride motivated the switch, noting he arrived with a reputation that matched the club’s expectations. Mourinho highlighted the Champions League group draw, which pits Real against Inter, PSV, RB Leipzig, LASK Linz at home and Arsenal, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk and AEK Athens away.

He praised the quality of opponents such as Arsenal and Inter while stressing the need for humility and a game-by-game mindset. After a strong start in La Liga that included three wins, a 1-0 loss to Betis halted the momentum, prompting Mourinho to caution against over-optimism. He reiterated the weight of leading a club with Real’s legacy but said he feels comfortable handling the pressure.