Real Madrid news: Jose Mourinho backs Vinicius Junior after Bernabeu boos

Jose Mourinho has delivered a strong defence of Vinicius Junior after the Real Madrid forward was booed by sections of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd, insisting that “the best Vinicius is still to come”.

The Brazil international has started every match under Mourinho this season but has yet to reproduce his most influential form, recording one goal and two assists across his opening five appearances.

Vinicius's difficult start was placed under greater scrutiny during Real Madrid's Champions League victory over Inter Milan, when sections of the home support voiced their frustration with the 26-year-old.

The reaction came only weeks after the winger ended a lengthy period of uncertainty over his future by signing a new Real Madrid contract until June 2032.

However, Mourinho has shown no indication that the criticism will affect Vinicius's position in his team and responded with a Portuguese proverb when asked about the forward ahead of Saturday's La Liga meeting with Rayo Vallecano.

“In Portugal, there is a proverb which says: ‘Stones are only thrown at trees that bear fruit’,” Mourinho said.

“What has Vini done here over the last few years? How many Champions Leagues has he won? How many goals has he scored? He is a tree that bears a lot of fruit.

“People throw stones because they want fruit. And the best Vinicius is still to come.”

Vinicius may not yet be producing his best attacking numbers, but Mourinho believes there are already signs that the Brazilian is responding physically to his demands.

The Real Madrid boss pointed towards several performance indicators as evidence that his forward is moving closer to peak condition after a disrupted summer involving the World Cup, international duty and a subsequent holiday.

“This Vini will arrive,” Mourinho added.

“In an era of data and statistics, he is very close to his maximum speed. He has broken his records for high-intensity runs, his record for balls recovered, for balls recovered in the final third. He will arrive.”

Mourinho's approach is significant given the uncertainty which surrounded their relationship when he returned to the Bernabeu.

The pair had been on opposing sides during Real Madrid's Champions League encounters with Benfica last season, when Mourinho publicly defended Gianluca Prestianni following a racism allegation made by Vinicius.

Since becoming Madrid coach, though, Mourinho has repeatedly backed the winger and was also reported to have supported the club's decision to secure his long-term future.

Vinicius has subsequently started all five matches this season, and there appears to be little prospect of that status changing in the immediate future.

According to AS, Madrid's intention is effectively to build the side around “Vinicius and 10 others” as Mourinho attempts to restore the confidence and form that helped the Brazilian win FIFA's The Best award in 2024.

Concern over Vinicius's mood is reportedly not restricted to Mourinho.

AS claims that senior members of the Real Madrid squad have also spoken to their coach about the criticism directed towards the winger and the importance of helping him rediscover his enjoyment on the pitch.

One unnamed player reportedly told Mourinho: “Coach, I'm worried about Vini. After everything he has done for Real Madrid over these years, the way part of the crowd is treating him isn't normal. We need to make him happy again.”

Mourinho acknowledged supporters' right to express frustration, but also highlighted the importance of maintaining unity between the stands and his players.

“When you work as a team with the supporters, you are unbeatable,” he said. “However, every crowd, at a certain moment, has the right to react.”

Vinicius's record gives Mourinho plenty of justification for maintaining his faith.

Since arriving at Real Madrid in 2018, the Brazilian has scored 129 goals in 380 appearances and helped the club win two Champions League titles, three La Liga crowns, three Club World Cups and the Copa del Rey.

His new contract could now keep him at the Bernabeu until 2032.

Mourinho has yet to confirm his starting lineup against Rayo, but Vinicius is expected to retain his place alongside Kylian Mbappe, with the pair currently regarded as the two main pillars of Madrid's attack.

After the latest reaction from the Bernabeu, Mourinho's message could hardly have been clearer: rather than reducing Vinicius's role, he intends to give him the minutes and responsibility required to rediscover his best football.

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