Vinicius Junior has lost his status as an automatic starter at Real Madrid, but Jose Mourinho and the club are working together to help the Brazil forward rediscover his best form.
Vinicius was absent from Real Madrid’s most recent La Liga match at Mestalla, a situation which was repeated during the latest Clasico. He also missed the club’s visit to Valencia last season at the stadium where he had previously been sent off twice.
His latest absence followed the red card he received against Villarreal, which ruled him out of league action during the final month of the season.
The developments have raised questions about Vinicius’ position within the Real Madrid squad, particularly because he has started two matches in the Champions League.
Spanish newspaper AS reports that Real Madrid and Mourinho have adopted a specific approach to managing the forward. Vinicius understands that he is no longer guaranteed a place in the starting line-up and is not considered indispensable, but he has felt fully respected and supported by both the manager and the club in recent days.
Mourinho and Real Madrid officials are standing behind the Brazil international. The manager’s immediate priority is to restore the ability to influence and decide matches that Vinicius showed after joining the club from Flamengo.
There is said to be complete understanding and regular communication between Vinicius and Mourinho, with none of the breakdown in contact the player experienced with Xabi Alonso last season.
Both Vinicius and Real Madrid’s coaching staff agree that he must recover his best version, given that he remains one of the club’s most important assets.
Mourinho has been frank with the forward in private discussions and has also tried to give him confidence in public comments. At the same time, he has acknowledged that returning to normal will require considerable work.
The manager is treating Vinicius as one of the club’s own, in keeping with his role as Real Madrid coach, spokesman and defender of its sporting interests and assets. Mourinho therefore wants, before anyone else, to find the right way to bring back the player’s true level and motivate him to perform at his best.
Vinicius is also working towards that objective. He knows his main task is to recover the position and form that made him untouchable in Real Madrid’s starting XI for several years. He is pursuing that goal in coordination with Mourinho and the club’s officials.
The renewal of his contract last summer, extending it until 30 June 2032, gives both sides stability now and during future transfer windows before any potential decisions are taken.
Vinicius has played 12 matches so far, scoring one goal and providing three assists – figures well below the usual output expected from a player of his exceptional ability.
He remains determined to return to his established level, while recognising that the contract offered by Real Madrid last summer provides protection in all circumstances. Throughout negotiations, he was clear that he wanted to continue his career at the club, although he also understands the demands and expectations of its supporters.
Real Madrid initially considered beginning the season without announcing the renewal, delaying a final agreement. After the World Cup, however, officials decided that confirming and finalising the deal was in everyone’s interests.
Unlike last season, the club’s supporters understand that the team’s shape and performance in each match will depend on the relationship between Mourinho and Vinicius, even if that means the forward starts on the bench.
A fixture listing also includes Tavernes de la Valldigna in the Copa del Rey on 10 November 2026, followed by Valencia against Real Madrid in La Liga on 21 November 2026, and Celta Vigo.
