- Dani Ceballos joined Real Betis just a couple of days ago, but will not be available for tonight’s match against his former team
- José Mourinho said on that he told Ceballos in a three-minute phone call that the midfielder was not part of his plans at Real Madrid
- José Mourinho and Manuel Pellegrini will meet today in La Liga, with Real Madrid seeking a first win at the Benito Villamarín against Real Betis since August 2021
Ceballos Exit Explained By Mourinho
Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho has shed light on the decision-making that preceded Dani Ceballos’ summer departure from the club, following the midfielder’s recently confirmed return to Real Betis.
Ceballos had been a prominent subject in the Spanish media over the last couple of days as his long-awaited move back to Betis was finally completed. Before that development, he had spent the summer as a free agent after leaving Real Madrid.
Although his agreement with Los Blancos still had one year remaining, Ceballos accepted an early termination of his contract, bringing his stay to an end 12 months before its scheduled expiry.
🚨🗣️ Mourinho: “Ceballos? I told him he was NOT in my plans. So he was very honest and told me he preferred to leave.
We reached an agreement, we terminated the contract, and Ceballos was free to decide.“ pic.twitter.com/SUaed8x3cd
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) September 3, 2026
A Three-Minute Conversation And A Clean Break
Speaking during his pre-Real Betis press conference on Thursday, Mourinho described the process as direct when asked about his former midfielder.
“Ceballos? I spoke to him for three minutes on the phone when I first got here. I told him he was not in my plans.
”A lot of times, players hold onto their contracts and say ‘no, I want to stay’, but Ceballos told me if I’m outside your plans, then I’d prefer to be free to decide my future, so he agreed to terminate his contract.”
Ceballos has now rejoined Betis, but he will not be available for the match against his former club.
Mourinho And Pellegrini Renew Their Rivalry
Tonight’s La Liga fixture also brings another meeting between José Mourinho and Manuel Pellegrini. The two managers have faced each other 17 times in their careers, and today they will be on opposite touchlines once again.
Real Madrid have not beaten Betis at the Benito Villamarín since August 2021. That match ended 1-0, with Carvajal scoring the decisive goal. It has now been 4 seasons without a win for Real Madrid at the venue.
