Mourinho makes Vinicius the cornerstone of Real Madrid’s new era

Jose Mourinho played a decisive role in Vinicius Junior’s decision to extend his Real Madrid contract until 2032, convincing the Brazil forward that he will be central to the club’s next project.

The Portuguese manager has not simply expressed admiration for Vinicius’ ability. He has made it clear that the new Real Madrid will be built around him and that he regards the 25-year-old as one of the key players capable of delivering success in the years ahead.

Vinicius’ renewal was the result of lengthy and, at times, complicated negotiations. Both parties ultimately wanted to continue their relationship, according to Spanish newspaper AS, but Real Madrid had to improve its final offer to retain the player.

Vinicius, meanwhile, showed flexibility over his financial demands and accepted a figure lower than the amount he had initially requested. The agreement reached on Wednesday will keep him at the club until 2032.

Mourinho was not the only reason behind the renewal, but his influence proved important during the final stage of the discussions. For Vinicius, feeling valued and understanding that he has a central role in the new project was almost as significant as the financial terms.

That was precisely the message Mourinho wanted to convey: that Vinicius would be one of the main pillars of the next Real Madrid side and an essential part of the manager’s long-term plans.

The Brazilian’s own message of thanks after the renewal was announced appeared to underline Mourinho’s influence. Alongside references to “the president”, “Joni”, “Jose Angel” and his team-mates, Vinicius also mentioned the Portuguese coach.

A relationship that began at the World Cup

Mourinho first made direct contact with Vinicius during the World Cup, when he called the player. Their initial conversation was not about detailed tactics or specific plans for the future. It was an early attempt to establish a relationship.

The first impression was highly positive and the pair soon developed a good understanding. That relationship later convinced Mourinho that Vinicius should be one of the central figures in his new Real Madrid project.

Vinicius described their first conversation by saying: “I met the new coach and the new players and trained hard.”

He added: “Mourinho asked me to be: happy, cheerful, and to play football in my own style.”

Mourinho believes Vinicius possesses the qualities required to lead the team he wants to build. Chief among them is an ability to change matches on his own, combined with sustained attacking intensity and a capacity to create danger in a wide range of situations.

The decision to extend the forward’s contract until 2032 reflects Mourinho’s intention to give him a prominent position in the new structure. The manager also sees Vinicius as a player whose development he can influence and whose potential can be maximised.

The first major challenge is to restore the best version of the Brazil international – the player who came close to winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024.

Everyone involved in the new project believes Vinicius can return to his highest level if he is provided with the right environment and the consistency needed to regain his confidence and form.

His statistics did not decline dramatically last season. He scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists, making it the fifth consecutive campaign in which he had passed the 20-goal mark while contributing to more than 10 further goals through assists or penalties.

Even so, those numbers did not fully reflect the level Vinicius had previously produced, and the season was an unsettled one for the Brazilian.

Building around the front three

A lack of understanding with Xabi Alonso was one of the main sources of tension for Vinicius, reaching its peak during the incident at Camp Nou. Arbeloa, by contrast, offered the forward clear and emphatic support, backing him on more than one occasion.

As the 2026-27 season begins, Vinicius appears to have an additional motivation: proving himself again on the pitch.

He had started the World Cup under Carlo Ancelotti in promising fashion, but the tournament ended in major disappointment when Brazil were eliminated by Norway in the last 16. The picture now appears different.

With his future secured at Real Madrid until 2032 and a clear understanding with Mourinho over his role and importance, Vinicius has begun a new chapter. He is smiling again and looking to move on from the difficulties of last season.

Mourinho’s second major task will be to create harmony throughout the team. With Vinicius playing alongside Kylian Mbappe, the manager must find a system that allows the pair to operate together rather than appearing as separate stars competing for influence.

He also wants to preserve the central role of Jude Bellingham. The England midfielder demonstrated during the World Cup that he can carry significant responsibility and reminded supporters of the player who captured their imagination during his outstanding start at Real Madrid.

Vinicius, Mbappe and Bellingham are therefore expected to become the leading footballing figures in the new side. The squad has undergone major changes and has lost Rodri, but its identity is also being reshaped in a clear way.

The project extends beyond that trio. It also includes the clinical striker Diomande, whose arrival was one of the important moves linked to Mourinho’s involvement in defining the new team.

Mourinho knows that assembling a collection of elite players does not guarantee success. The real challenge is ensuring that they understand their responsibilities and work towards the same objective.

That is why he invested particular effort in the Vinicius dossier. The aim is not merely to keep the Brazilian at Real Madrid, but to make him the true focal point of the project and give him the conditions to recover his best form.

Mourinho has chosen to place his faith in Vinicius, while Real Madrid have extended their own commitment to the forward until 2032. The difficult part now begins: turning that trust into performances and results, and building a team capable of returning to the top.