The Special One's loyalty! Mourinho rejected Portugal to save Real Madrid

A stunning revelation: Jose Mourinho turned down the chance to coach his own country in order to return to Real Madrid.

Details: According to Diario AS, the Portuguese FA approached Mourinho ahead of the World Cup, but he chose to answer the call of Florentino Perez instead. Out of loyalty to the Real Madrid president, the Special One decided to come back to the Bernabeu to help a friend through a difficult situation, returning 13 years after his first spell ended.

• Also read: Can Belgium Finally Stop France's Dominance? Belgium vs France Prediction | September 28, 2026

The story adds a romantic layer to one of the summer's most surprising appointments. Mourinho, who won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa during his first Madrid era, came back from Benfica on a mission, even declaring that it is not about working at Real Madrid, but working for Real Madrid. Portugal eventually turned to Jorge Jesus, while Mourinho now faces the task of steadying a Madrid side reeling from a derby defeat to Atletico and the injury to captain Valverde.

It's worth noting how differently it could have gone: Mourinho leading Portugal at a home continent's biggest stage is the what if that will haunt some fans. But Madrid needed its firefighter, and the Special One never says no to a friend.

Reminder: Blow for Zidane! Mbappé leaves France camp after knee injury