José Mourinho has officially commenced his second tenure as Real Madrid manager, beginning pre-season on Monday, 13 July 2026. The day started with medical examinations at the Clínica Sanitas facility, followed by his first training session at 17:00.

Who Is in and Who Is Out on Day One

The initial training session featured a limited squad, as several players were away due to World Cup commitments, including Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr, and Thibaut Courtois. Present for the first session were:

• Eduardo Camavinga
• Franco Mastantuono
• Trent Alexander-Arnold
• Dean Huijsen
  These players became the first to work directly under Mourinho. To supplement training numbers, Mourinho will rely on players from the Castilla team, highlighting the unique challenges presented by the World Cup calendar.

The Backdrop to Another New Era

Mourinho's return comes after a turbulent period for the club, marked by Xabi Alonso's brief project lasting only about a year, followed by Álvaro Arbeloa’s six-month stint. The objective is clear: to achieve consistency and results from a squad rich in talent that has struggled to translate potential into trophies.

Mourinho has been preparing for this role since his confirmation following Florentino Pérez's re-election as president. Monday's session signifies the transition from planning to action, with reports indicating early recruitment and coaching staff changes, as noted by Football España.

What Comes Next

As of now, a formal press presentation for Mourinho has not been scheduled, and transfer activity remains uncertain. While both incoming and outgoing transfers are possible, the core squad structure appears stable. More significant evaluations of this new era will occur once the international players return and competitive matches commence.