Former Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has returned to the Santiago Bernabeu in a specialized backroom role. Appointed as an assistant coach in July 2026, Khedira is working under current manager Jose Mourinho, with whom he shares a long-standing professional history. During Mourinho’s initial tenure at the club between 2010 and 2013, Khedira made 121 of his 161 total appearances for the Spanish giants.
The appointment follows a specific request made by Mourinho during discussions with club leadership in May 2026. The Portuguese manager sought a charismatic figure capable of upholding the club’s high standards while effectively managing the complex dynamics within a star-studded dressing room. With a squad featuring high-profile talents like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, and Federico Valverde, Khedira’s presence is intended to maintain stability among the team’s prominent personalities.
Khedira’s career with Los Blancos began in 2010 following his transfer from VfB Stuttgart. During his five-year playing stint, he recorded nine goals and 13 assists, contributing to a Champions League title, a LaLiga crown, and a FIFA Club World Cup victory before departing for Juventus in 2015. Early indications suggest his return is already yielding positive results, as Real Madrid secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Espanyol in their August 22 season opener, followed by a 4-1 win against Real Sociedad on August 26.
In other club news, former manager Alvaro Arbeloa has expressed gratitude for his time leading the senior squad. A product of the La Fabrica academy, Arbeloa made 238 appearances for the club as a player before transitioning into youth coaching, where he managed the Under-19s and RM Castilla. He took charge of the senior team midway through the 2025-26 season following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, overseeing 28 matches with a record of 18 wins, two draws, and eight losses.
Following the conclusion of that campaign, Arbeloa moved to the Premier League to become the head coach of Fulham, while Mourinho was appointed to lead Real Madrid. Reflecting on his tenure in a recent interview with MARCA, Arbeloa noted his lasting appreciation for the opportunity to manage his boyhood club.
Real Madrid is scheduled to return to action this Sunday, August 30, for a LaLiga fixture against Malaga. The report also notes that the Athletic originally reported that during his first few conversations with the club brass in May 2026, Mourinho had a very specific request. The report also notes that they showed incredible determination to score a last-gasp winner in their 2026-27 LaLiga opener against Espanyol (2-1, August 22) and followed it up with a comprehensive win over Real Sociedad (4-1, August 26). The report also notes that a graduate of Madrid’s famed La Fabrica academy, Arbeloa bagged six goals and 15 assists in 238 appearances for the club during his playing career. The report also notes that it is likely that Mourinho has leaned on Khedira to deal with all the big characters inside the dressing room and maintain the status quo.
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