Vinicius Junior loses starting spot at Real Madrid but retains Mourinho's backing

Vinicius Junior is no longer untouchable at Real Madrid. Absent from La Liga for nearly a month due to a suspension following a red card — sanctioned for pulling an opponent’s hair — the Brazilian completed his final suspension day on Saturday during Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory at Valencia. He returns to a dressing room where his status has shifted.

According to sports daily AS, Vinicius is “fully aware that he has lost his starting spot” and “knows he is no longer untouchable”. Spanish media point to a clear loss of form since his failure to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, a disappointment the winger reportedly struggled to digest and which has weighed on his performances.

Yet a complete break is far from inevitable. AS notes that relations between Vinicius, José Mourinho and the Madrid board remain serene: the player reportedly “felt in recent days the respect and unconditional support” of the club’s leadership. For the Portuguese manager, the priority would be to help his winger rediscover his best level, the form that once made him one of the world’s finest footballers.

Mourinho knows, still according to AS, “there is still work to be done before a return to normal”, but he and his staff remain “determined to get the best out of” Vinicius Junior. Early-season figures, which show regular use of the Brazilian, suggest a prolonged exclusion remains unlikely.