Benfica Confirms Real Madrid Will Pay Mourinho Release Clause

BusinessSportsMoneyBenfica Confirms Real Madrid Will Pay Mourinho Release ClauseByTom Sanderson,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tom Sanderson has been primarily based in Barcelona since 2019.Follow AuthorJun 04, 2026, 01:23pm EDTPortuguese giant Benfica has confirmed that Real Madrid will pay a $17.4 million (€15 million) release clause for Jose Mourinho to become its new head coach if President Florentino Perez wins the election.AFP via Getty ImagesPortuguese giant Benfica has confirmed that Real Madrid will pay a $17.4 million (€15 million) release clause for Jose Mourinho to become its new head coach if President Florentino Perez wins the election.The Lisbon-based club used Portugal’s financial regulator, the CMWM, to release a statement on the matter on Thursday afternoon in Europe.“Sport Lisboa e Benfica announces that, as part of his campaign for the Real Madrid CF presidency, President Florentino Perez has stated his firm intention to appoint Jose Mario dos Santos Mourinho Felix as manager should he win the club’s presidential election, scheduled for 7 June 2026,” the correspondence read.“Should this scenario arise, the appointment will be made for a fee of €15,000,000, corresponding to the termination clause in the current sports employment contract,” it then added.The release clause has indeed risen, as it was only believed to be worth $8.135 million (€7 million) as recently as last week.That’s because Madrid, or any other club interested in Mourinho, had 10 working days after Benfica’s last game of the season on May 16 - a 3-1 away win at Estoril - to activate the lower fee.Benfica and its president Rui Costa have tried but seemingly failed to get Mourinho to extend his contract which expires on June 30, 2027, after he led The Eagles to a third place Liga finish.ForbesReal Madrid President Perez Announces Jose Mourinho As New ManagerBy Tom SandersonMORE FOR YOUMourinho is at the cornerstone of Real M...