Mourinho urges out-of-form Vinícius to rediscover his best in Rome Champions League test

José Mourinho has publicly backed Vinícius Júnior and urged the Real Madrid forward to use the club’s Champions League fixture in Rome to rediscover his decisive touch, with the Brazilian serving a La Liga suspension after being sent off against Villarreal on Saturday.

“I’ve said that it breaks my heart to see Vini in this situation,” Mourinho told Sky Italia on Tuesday. He acknowledged that Vinícius has been working hard but has yet to find the satisfaction of making a decisive impact this season, pointing to the European stage — where the league ban does not apply — as the immediate opportunity to turn things around.

A difficult start to the season

The numbers underline the concern. Vinícius has scored once in nine appearances for Madrid this season and managed just one direct assist across his last six matches. He also went without a goal or assist for Brazil during the international break, in games against Australia and India.

The Villarreal dismissal compounded an already difficult run. After being sent off for pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair, a goal he scored moments later was ruled out, and teammates had to restrain him as he protested. Madrid still won 1-0, with Yan Diomande scoring his first goal for the club. Vinícius will miss the league match against Sevilla, and the referee’s report will determine whether the suspension also rules him out of the first Clásico of the season, scheduled for 25 October at Camp Nou.

Club backing and contract security

Real Madrid improved and extended Vinícius’ contract this summer through 2032, and both the club and Mourinho have offered public support on several occasions. The forward has faced boos from sections of the Bernabéu crowd during early league fixtures, though supporters also rallied behind him following the Villarreal red card.

Competition sharpening in Madrid’s attack

The pressure is not only internal. Kylian Mbappé has scored eight goals and provided two assists in eight games, while Diomande’s debut goal against Villarreal has added another dimension to Madrid’s attacking options. His emergence could either sharpen Vinícius’ focus or gradually reduce his role — the Rome fixture offers the clearest early answer to which direction things are heading.

Mourinho’s appeal was framed around form and confidence rather than any broader club announcement. For Vinícius, the Champions League trip to Rome represents the most immediate chance to deliver the decisive impact his manager says has been missing.