Vinícius Júnior targeted unfairly, Mourinho says

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has called for increased protection for Vinícius Júnior, stating that the Brazilian forward is being unfairly targeted by opponents and fans. Following incidents in a match against Espanyol, Mourinho noted a pattern where opponents feel emboldened to use physical and verbal pressure, suggesting that referees are failing to intervene early enough to prevent aggression.

Data highlighted by the club suggests a discrepancy in officiating; reports indicate Vinícius requires significantly more fouls to trigger a yellow card compared to other top players like Lamine Yamal. Mourinho emphasized that while he is working with the player to improve his emotional control regarding fan provocations, the responsibility for managing on-field aggression lies with the officials.

In recent league action against Real Sociedad, Vinícius scored his first goal of the season following a contract renewal through 2032. Despite the ongoing scrutiny regarding his conduct and the treatment he receives on the pitch, the player remains a central figure in Real Madrid's offensive strategy.