Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has mounted a strong defence of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe after the star pair faced whistles at the Santiago Bernabeu. Addressing the media before Saturday's Liga match against Rayo Vallecano, Mourinho insisted both players are giving everything for the team.
Jose Mourinho has opened up on the internal dynamics at Real Madrid, insisting he has not needed to intervene in the relationship between Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde. The Portuguese tactician also jumped to the defence of Vinicius Jr, using a colourful proverb to silence the Brazilian's recent critics.
Arsenal were linked with Vinicius Junior and Bradley Barcola during the summer transfer window of 2026, but missed out on both. Jermaine Pennant has told GOAL that the Gunners will sign a superstar left winger at some point, as they have actually got “weaker” in that department. Mikel Arteta has pieced together a Premier League title-winning squad, but there is still room for improvement at Emirates Stadium.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has jumped to the defence of Vinicius Junior after the Brazilian forward was once again targeted by whistles from his own supporters. The winger was substituted late on during Tuesday's narrow Champions League triumph over Inter, with supporters expressing their frustration following a subdued display.
Real Madrid hold on for a narrow victory over Inter Milan in their Champions League opener. One action by Vinicius Junior goes against Los Blancos - and almost makes it exciting again.
With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.
![Jose Mourinho - vinicius junior [Kooora Only]](https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt16218458ea10366f/crop/MM5DCMZTG45DONJSHJXG653FHIZDAORQ/mourinho_vinicius_new_kit.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
