Mourinho Real Madrid Rumours: Rios Hopes He Stays With Benfica Amid Speculation

Benfica midfielder Richard Rios wants Jose Mourinho to remain in Lisbon, even as Real Madrid reportedly consider bringing Mourinho back to the Santiago Bernabeu and assess Alvaro Arbeloa’s position, following a difficult run that has left Madrid facing another season without silverware in LaLiga or cup competitions.

Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Real Betis last Friday extended a poor sequence. Madrid have collected only one win from their last six matches in all competitions, alongside two draws and three defeats. The team sit 11 points behind LaLiga leaders and Clasico rivals Barcelona, and are already out of both the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

Those results place Arbeloa’s role under scrutiny, after Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso in January. Reports in Spain state Florentino Perez views Mourinho, who coached Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, as the preferred candidate to succeed Arbeloa once the current campaign ends, and Perez is said to be personally driving the search for the next manager.

Mourinho only returned to Benfica in September, going back to the club where Mourinho began a senior managerial career. Benfica occupy second place in the Primeira Liga this season and are the only team in the division still unbeaten in the 2025-26 campaign, with 31 league games played, 22 victories and nine draws under Mourinho’s leadership.

Rios was asked by Diario As whether Mourinho might leave Benfica for Real Madrid during the summer. Rios replied: "I don't know, to be honest. As far as I'm concerned, I hope notI hope he stays with me.Every day I learn something new from him. He's got a formidable character and motivates you like no one else." His career is incredible; he has worked for many years and collected every major trophy. Rios said Mourinho’s hunger has never faded and that example drives Rios to demand more from a playing career.

Mourinho has spoken publicly about staying at Benfica beyond the current summer, while also acknowledging that decisions are pending. Mourinho said that, "when the season ends, we'll have 10 days to decide whether to continue or part ways." Any offer from Madrid may prove attractive, as Mourinho previously delivered LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana during the earlier period in Spain.

Jose Mourinho Real Madrid Benfica records and statistical impact

During the earlier spell in charge of Real Madrid, Mourinho built strong domestic numbers across LaLiga fixtures. Across 114 league matches, Mourinho oversaw 87 wins, 16 draws and 11 losses, which produced a 76.3 per cent win rate and an average of 2.43 points per game, underlining why Madrid leadership continue to track Mourinho’s availability.

Mourinho’s track record with Real Madrid and current unbeaten league run with Benfica ensures persistent speculation, while Real Madrid weigh Arbeloa’s future and Perez studies options. Rios has made clear a preference for stability at Benfica, yet Mourinho’s final decision over the ten-day window after the season will determine whether Madrid secure a reunion.