José Mourinho has reportedly moved quickly to defuse tensions at SL Benfica after a viral campaign video linked to Florentino Pérez suggested he was set for a return to Real Madrid.
Portuguese media outlet Record reported that Mourinho contacted Benfica directly to clarify that the footage circulating online was not authentic and had been generated using artificial intelligence.
The controversy began when an official account associated with Pérez’s presidential campaign released a video showing Mourinho wearing Real Madrid training gear, appearing to confirm a future return to the Spanish club if Pérez wins upcoming elections.
The clip quickly spread across social media, dominating discussion among Real Madrid supporters and overshadowing wider campaign narratives, including speculation over potential transfer targets.
However, according to the report, Mourinho was not involved in the production of the video and was surprised by its release. He is said to have moved promptly to reassure Benfica officials that he did not authorise or approve the content.
Concerns reportedly centred on the potential impact the video could have on his current role, with Mourinho still under contract at Benfica.
Despite the denial, Record also suggests that Real Madrid have already communicated interest in bringing Mourinho back should Pérez return to power, with the club reportedly prepared to activate a €15 million release clause.
For now, the situation remains centred on clarification rather than confirmation, with Mourinho insisting the widely circulated clip was an AI-generated fabrication rather than an official announcement of his future.
