Former Germany international Sami Khedira has returned to Real Madrid, joining José Mourinho’s coaching staff more than five years after retiring from professional football.
The appointment marks Khedira’s first coaching role and reunites him with Mourinho, the manager who signed him from Stuttgart in 2010.
During their time together in Madrid, the pair won the La Liga title, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup. After Mourinho’s departure, Khedira went on to lift the UEFA Champions League under Carlo Ancelotti.
Following his retirement in 2021, Khedira briefly worked as a sporting adviser at Stuttgart during the 2022/23 season before moving into television as a football analyst with DAZN.
Explaining his decision to return to football, Khedira said, “This job at Real Madrid gives me the opportunity to take the next step in my sporting career.”
The 2014 FIFA World Cup winner also enjoyed a successful spell at Juventus before ending his playing career at Hertha Berlin.
His appointment comes after a disappointing campaign for Real Madrid, who finished the season without a trophy. Mourinho has returned to the club as head coach, replacing Xabi Alonso, while Álvaro Arbeloa has also taken up a coaching role.
Khedira has previously spoken about his close relationship with Mourinho, saying last year as a television pundit, “For me, he is like my godfather. I love him and will always love him.”
