Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho remains confident that Vinicius Junior will return to his best form and continue to play a central role in the club’s plans this season.
The Brazil international has made a slow start to the 2026/27 campaign, scoring only once in the league so far. His subdued beginning has revived questions about how effectively he fits alongside Kylian Mbappe in Real Madrid’s attack.
Mourinho, however, has dismissed any suggestion that he is losing faith in the 26-year-old. The experienced coach believes Vinicius Junior’s commitment in training and his continued effort will eventually help him regain the form that has made him a key figure at the Spanish club.
Vinicius Junior was at the centre of significant transfer speculation during the summer. Despite interest from Premier League champions Arsenal, he decided against moving to England and instead agreed a new long-term contract with Real Madrid.
That decision followed a period in which he had been reassured about his importance to the club’s future. Vinicius Junior had scored more than 20 goals in each of his previous five seasons for Los Blancos, reinforcing his status as one of the team’s most important attacking players.
His current league return is well below that level, although Mourinho says the forward’s attitude has not been in question. The manager acknowledged that Vinicius Junior is not yet playing with the sharpness and decisiveness expected of him, but praised the work he is putting in to reach that level again.
"Vini keeps on working very hard. He’s not in killer mode yet, he’s not Vini just yet, but he works very hard.
“Anyone who works hard and gives their all deserves respect."
Mourinho now faces the task of helping Vinicius Junior recover his optimum form while also ensuring that his partnership with Kylian Mbappe develops effectively. The early questions about their compatibility have returned after Vinicius Junior’s limited goalscoring contribution in the opening part of the campaign.
The manager’s public backing underlines his belief that the Brazil international remains an essential part of Real Madrid’s plans. Although Vinicius Junior has yet to reach the level he has shown during his previous five seasons, Mourinho insists there is no reason for concern over his long-term contribution.
With the season still under way, the coach expects the forward’s hard work to translate into improved performances. Mourinho’s confidence remains unchanged: Vinicius Junior is not currently in his “killer mode”, but Real Madrid continue to regard him as a vital player.