Where Are Mourinho's Real Madrid 2011–12 Title Winners Now?

It has been over a decade since Jose Mourinho guided Real Madrid to their record-breaking La Liga triumph, collecting 100 points and netting 121 goals in that unforgettable 2011–12 season. His return to the Bernabéu stirs memories of that remarkable campaign, though his final year at the club ended on a sour note without trophies.

That championship remains one of Spanish football's finest moments, especially as it came by outpacing Pep Guardiola’s dominant Barcelona. Many fans still cherish those achievements and hope Mourinho can bring back similar success. But what became of the key players from that legendary team?

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas

With 37 appearances and 14 clean sheets that season, Iker Casillas left Real Madrid in 2015 as one of the club’s most capped players. His relationship with Mourinho was fraught during the latter’s last season, culminating in public disagreements. Nowadays, Casillas works as a pundit and ambassador but has voiced opposition to Mourinho’s recent return, stating on social media that he does not want him at the club.

Right Back: Álvaro Arbeloa

Álvaro Arbeloa made 26 appearances in that title-winning season and stayed at Madrid until 2016 before ending his playing career at West Ham. Transitioning into coaching, Arbeloa rose through Real Madrid’s youth teams and eventually managed the B team. His stint as first-team manager was turbulent, with internal conflicts. He is set to manage Premier League side Fulham next season.

Center Back: Sergio Ramos

One of Spain’s all-time greats, Sergio Ramos played 34 league matches and scored 3 goals in 2011–12. He went on to win multiple Champions League titles and other honors with Real Madrid before moves to PSG, Sevilla, and Monterrey in Mexico. At 40, Ramos has not officially retired and recently attempted to buy a controlling share in Sevilla, though negotiations failed. A future role off the pitch seems likely.

Center Back: Pepe

Pepe appeared 29 times that season, scoring once. He continued at Real Madrid for five more years before transferring to Besiktas in 2017. Later, Pepe revived his career at Porto, playing robustly until age 41. He participated in the Real Madrid Legends match against Barcelona in Miami earlier this year.

Left Back: Marcelo

Marcelo was part of seven La Liga title wins and five Champions League victories with Madrid, including post-Mourinho successes. He left in 2022, spending time with Olympiacos and Fluminense before retiring in 2024. His son, Enzo Alves, now plays as a forward in Real Madrid’s academy.

Central Midfielder: Sami Khedira

Contributing 28 appearances and 2 goals, Sami Khedira saw his role diminish after Modrić and Kroos arrived. He moved to Juventus in 2015 and faced Madrid in the 2017 Champions League final. Since retiring in 2021, Khedira has worked as a football analyst and rejoined Madrid this season on Mourinho’s coaching staff.

Central Midfielder: Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso made 36 appearances with 1 goal in 2011–12. After remaining briefly post-Mourinho, he left for Bayern Munich following a major role in Madrid's 2014 Champions League win (missing the final due to suspension). As a coach, Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2023–24. He managed Real Madrid in 2025 but left after six months amid a public clash with Vinícius Júnior. He took over as Chelsea manager ahead of 2026–27.

Right Wing: Ángel Di María

With 32 appearances and 7 goals that season, Ángel Di María departed Madrid for Manchester United in 2014. He excelled at PSG as their top assist provider and played for Benfica until 2025. Now 38, Di María returned to Argentina, playing for his boyhood club Rosario Central.

Attacking Midfielder: Mesut Özil

Mesut Özil recorded 35 appearances and 4 goals, contributing 19 assists—second only to Messi in La Liga that year. He clashed with Mourinho and later moved to Arsenal for a then-record fee, winning three FA Cups. Recently, videos highlighting his physical transformation since retirement have gone viral.

Left Wing: Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo scored 46 league goals in 38 games during the 2011–12 season, totaling 60 goals across all competitions. He won four Ballon d’Or awards after Mourinho’s title season. Still playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia at age 41, his 2026 World Cup showed signs of decline despite a strong start. Portugal’s new manager Jorge Jesus has suggested Ronaldo might continue with the national team.

Striker: Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema netted 21 league goals in 34 appearances that season, sharing striking duties. His best years at Madrid followed Ronaldo’s exit, culminating in a 2022 Ballon d’Or. With 354 goals for the club, only Ronaldo scored more. Benzema currently plays for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.