Pepe to join Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid coaching staff

Florentino Perez's re-election with 65% of the vote has cleared the way for Jose Mourinho's return to Real Madrid. Mourinho had a pre-agreement to take charge if Perez defeated Enrique Riquelme, and the club is aiming to end a two-year trophy drought. An official announcement is still pending.

Mourinho has already begun reshaping the squad, pursuing Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries, while also rebuilding his backroom team. Sport names former centre-back Pepe as the first major addition; the 43-year-old retired in 2024 and is set to take his first coaching steps at the club where he spent a decade.

Pepe was one of Mourinho's most loyal players during their time together between 2010 and 2013. Pepe made 334 appearances for Real Madrid, helped them win three Champions League titles and was known for both defensive intensity and controversy — notably a 10-game sanction in 2009 for an on-field altercation.

Spain, Madrid

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