Former Germany midfielder Sami Khedira is expected to join Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff at Real Madrid, in what would be his first senior coaching role since ending his playing career in 2021. Khedira, now 39, previously worked under Mourinho during the Portuguese coach’s first spell at the Bernabeu between 2010 and 2013, and the pair are set to reunite as Mourinho returns to the Spanish club.
Mourinho was officially announced as Real Madrid’s new head coach on Thursday after The Athletic reported on April 28 that he was president Florentino Perez’s preferred choice. As part of the discussions surrounding his return, Madrid and Mourinho’s camp had explored bringing several trusted members of his staff to the club. Alongside Khedira, Mourinho is expected to be joined by Benfica assistants Joao Tralhao and Pedro Machado, analyst Roberto Merella, fitness coach Antonio Dias and goalkeeper coach Nuno Santos.
Khedira would be a notable addition because of his deep familiarity with Real Madrid, Spanish football and Mourinho’s methods. He joined Madrid from Stuttgart in the same summer as Mourinho in 2010 and went on to make 161 appearances for the club. During his five seasons in the Spanish capital, he helped Madrid win the La Liga title in 2012-13 with a record points total, lifted the Champions League in 2014 and won the Copa del Rey twice. He left for Juventus in 2015 after establishing himself as an important figure in midfield.
The former World Cup winner also brings broad top-level experience from across Europe. Before and after his time in Spain, Khedira played in the Bundesliga, and he later spent several successful years at Juventus in Serie A. Internationally, he earned 77 caps for Germany and was part of the team that won the 2014 World Cup.
Madrid have often relied on former players in coaching roles, with Alvaro Arbeloa and Zinedine Zidane both starting in charge of Castilla before moving up to the first team. Khedira fits that pattern as a respected ex-player with knowledge of the club’s culture and expectations.
His name had also been linked with a potential role in the coaching setup alongside former Madrid defender Pepe, 43, who played a decade for the club and also worked with Mourinho. But Khedira now appears to be the leading candidate for the position.
According to analysis from Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana Santos, Khedira matches the profile Mourinho wants: someone who can connect the club, the squad and the coaching staff while bringing experience of Madrid and Spanish football. His strong relationship with Mourinho and his understanding of elite dressing-room standards make him a natural fit for the job.
