Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has said he would have forced a move away from the Spanish club during the summer transfer window if he were in Vinicius Junior's position, citing the repeated hostility and racial abuse directed at the Brazilian forward.
Mourinho made the remarks on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during a press conference ahead of Real Madrid's La Liga encounter with Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday. The Portuguese manager praised the 26-year-old winger for remaining committed to the club despite the treatment he has experienced in Spanish football, describing his ability to maintain a positive attitude as remarkable.
“If it were me in his place, probably I wouldn't be here. In this last summer I would have forced an exit to a league, a country, to somewhere there are rival clubs and stadiums that respect him,” Mourinho told reporters.
The Real Madrid manager explained that Vinicius had chosen to remain in Madrid because of his attachment to the club, the city and his belief that his circumstances could improve. The Brazilian signed a new contract during the summer, extending his commitment to the Spanish giants until 2032 despite uncertainty surrounding his future and reported interest from other European clubs.
Mourinho described Vinicius as an exceptional individual and praised his determination to continue enjoying football despite the difficulties he has encountered. The manager said the winger's personality and relationships within the dressing room remained positive, adding that he admired the player's ability to maintain his enthusiasm while facing criticism and hostility.
Vinicius has repeatedly been subjected to racist abuse during his career in Spain since joining Real Madrid in 2018. Several incidents involving opposition supporters have attracted widespread condemnation and prompted disciplinary and legal proceedings, making the treatment of the Brazilian international a continuing issue in Spanish football.
Mourinho's latest comments came as Vinicius serves a four-match domestic suspension following his dismissal during Real Madrid's 1-0 victory over Villarreal on October 10. The forward was sent off after pulling the hair of Villarreal midfielder Nathan Saliba, with the Spanish Football Federation subsequently imposing a two-match suspension for the incident and an additional two matches for his protests towards the referee.
The disciplinary decision means Vinicius will miss Real Madrid's forthcoming league fixtures against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander and Valencia. His absence from the October 25 El Clásico against Barcelona is particularly significant, with the two clubs competing near the top of the La Liga standings.
Mourinho also addressed the suspension during Saturday's press conference, saying he had anticipated that the disciplinary authorities might impose a longer punishment. His comments followed Real Madrid's unsuccessful attempt to overturn or reduce the sanction, leaving the manager without one of his regular attacking players for four league matches.
The Brazilian had also attracted attention during Real Madrid's Champions League victory over Roma on Wednesday, when Mourinho substituted him during the second half of the 4-3 comeback win. The decision came amid discussion about Vinicius's performances and the challenge of balancing Madrid's attacking options, which include Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.
Despite the recent disciplinary controversy and criticism surrounding the winger, Mourinho maintained that Vinicius remained an important member of his squad. His remarks focused on the player's resilience and continued commitment to Real Madrid rather than suggesting that the club was preparing to sell him.
Vinicius joined Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018 and has since become a central figure in the club's attack, contributing to Champions League victories in 2022 and 2024. His decision to extend his contract until 2032 has secured his long-term future at the Bernabéu, even as questions surrounding his treatment by opposing supporters remain unresolved.
Mourinho's statement therefore highlighted the contrast between his own hypothetical response to the abuse Vinicius has endured and the Brazilian's decision to remain at Real Madrid. The manager acknowledged that he would have sought a different environment but praised the winger for choosing to continue his career with the Spanish club.
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