Former Real Madrid captain publicly opposes the appointment of José Mourinho as deal nears

A former Real Madrid captain has voiced his opposition to José Mourinho being appointed as Los Blancos’ next head coach.

Despite being under contract at Benfica until 2027, it has been widely reported that Mourinho — who previously managed Real between 2010 and 2013 — is set to return to the club following the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign.

Mourinho guided the Spanish giants to a La Liga title and the Copa del Rey during his time in Madrid, and has since managed Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Roma, Fenerbahçe and current club Benfica.

However, his trophy haul has dwindled since leaving United in 2018 — where he won the League Cup and Europa League in 2017 — with the Conference League triumph at Roma in 2022 his only major honour since. The Portuguese manager remains one of the most sought-after coaches in European football.

With last week’s reports of fighting between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Fede Valverde suggesting a lack of team spirit and discipline in Madrid’s ranks, many believe a Mourinho-type figure may be exactly what Real Madrid need.

However, former Real Madrid goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas, who made 725 appearances for the club between 1999 and 2015, does not share this view. The three-time Champions League winner took to social media to offer his thoughts on Tuesday (May 12).

Casillas began: “When @realmadrid goes two seasons without winning a title, it’s time to worry. The ‘Clásico’ was already tough before it even started being played. Let’s look ahead to next season and forget about the current one.”

Addressing the links with Mourinho’s potential return, he added: “I have no problem with Mourinho. He seems like a great professional to me. I don’t want him at Real Madrid. I think other coaches would be better equipped to coach at the club of my life. Personal opinion. Nothing more.”

Fans were quick to offer their thoughts.

One said: “I think he’s a good coach and will deliver trophies, though his playing style might be boring.”

Another added: “What hurts you is that Mourinho is more loved than you. Moles will never be loved, and Mourinho discovered that. He sidelined you and didn’t care that you were Madrid’s captain — that’s why he’s the ideal one to coach these egotistical brats.”

A third claimed: “The truth is Mourinho has already given all he had to give to football. In the modern era, that kind of football he practises just isn’t enough...”

A fourth commented: “As a Real Madrid legend, you have the right to say your opinion.”

Real return to La Liga action against Real Oviedo on May 14.