9.9.2026
Jose Mourinho said he is not writing off Vinicius Junior who has been struggling with his form this season.
The Brazilian star remained a shadow of himself as Real Madrid held off Inter Milan to win their first game of the Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory.
First-half strikes from Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde secured the three points for Los Blancos before a late goal from Carlos Augusto set up a tense finale.
Vini was booed off the pitch by fans after he was replaced late in the game, but he had Mourinho’s shoulder to cry on.
“I’m not criticizing the fans; I’m speaking as a coach and about my relationship with him,” said the Portuguese manager after the forward was booed.
“He deserves all my respect. He’s not at his best, and we all see that. He’s the first to know it and is working very hard to be the player who decides matches.
“By not being at his peak, he’s working harder than ever in training and games. I have great respect for the Vini Jr. I’ve encountered. The time will come when he decides matches.”
Vini Jr was named on the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or on Tuesday, and is believed to be one of the leading contenders for the award.
Vini Jr...shooting blanks.