According to a report by Madrid Universal on Wednesday May 20, 2026, Real Madrid are reportedly set for a reshuffle in their dressing-room leadership once José Mourinho officially returns to the Santiago Bernabéu, with major changes expected in how authority is structured within the squad.
Mourinho has already decided who he wants as the central leader of the team, and surprisingly, his choice is not Vinícius Jr. or Kylian Mbappé despite their superstar status at the club.
Instead, the Portuguese coach sees Thibaut Courtois as the ideal figure to take control of leadership duties, both on the pitch and inside the dressing room, guiding the squad through its next phase.
The report claims Mourinho is already actively involved in planning for the new season, even before his appointment is officially confirmed, as he begins shaping his vision for the team’s future structure.
While there is still uncertainty surrounding internal club matters and potential political developments, Mourinho is said to be focused on restoring order and clarity within the squad’s leadership system.
One of his main concerns is balancing the influence of high-profile players such as Mbappé and Vinícius, whose growing status has reportedly contributed to shifting dynamics inside the dressing room.
To address this, Mourinho is believed to want a calmer and more experienced presence to act as the team’s reference point, with Courtois emerging as the preferred candidate for that responsibility.
The Belgian goalkeeper is widely respected within the squad due to his experience, mentality, and consistent influence, making him a natural choice for a leadership role under the new manager’s structure.
Reports also suggest Mourinho has already spoken directly with Courtois about his role at the club and the expected changes ahead, signalling early steps in reshaping team leadership.
Alongside leadership changes, Mourinho is also working on squad planning, with instructions already given for defensive reinforcements including a new right-back and at least two centre-backs.
Ultimately, Mourinho’s preference for Courtois reflects his long-standing managerial approach, where he often relies on strong, authoritative figures to stabilise the dressing room alongside attacking stars.
