Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that he played a role in convincing Vinicius Jr to remain at the Spanish club.
Mourinho returned to Real Madrid this summer for a second spell as head coach. He wanted Vinicius to remain part of his plans for the new season.
The Portuguese manager had discussions with the Brazilian forward about his future. Mourinho stressed the importance of continuing his career at Real Madrid.
The intervention came as uncertainty surrounded Vinicius’ future. The forward had entered the final period of his previous contract, while reports linked him with interest from other clubs.
Real Madrid has now ended the uncertainty.
The club officially announced on August 6 that Vinicius had signed a contract extension that will keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu until June 30, 2032.
The new agreement puts an end to months of speculation about the 26-year-old’s future.
Vinicius joined Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018. He arrived in Spain at the age of 18.
Since then, he has become one of the club’s most important players.
According to Real Madrid, Vinicius has played 375 matches for the club and scored 128 goals.
He has also won 14 trophies with the Spanish giants.
His honours include two Champions League titles, three La Liga titles and three Club World Cups. He has also won the Copa del Rey and several Spanish and European Super Cups.
The Brazilian also played a key role in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumphs in 2022 and 2024.
His performances earned him the 2024 FIFA The Best Men’s Player award.
Mourinho has also made clear that he wants Vinicius to remain confident and expressive on the pitch.
The Brazilian recently spoke about his relationship with the new coach. He said Mourinho wants him to remain happy, cheerful and focused on playing his football.
The comments suggest that Mourinho sees Vinicius as an important part of his plans at Real Madrid.
The Portuguese coach has already begun rebuilding the team after returning to the club. Real Madrid officially unveiled him on August 18, with Mourinho signing a contract that runs until June 2029.
With Vinicius now committed to Real Madrid until 2032, Mourinho can build his attacking plans around one of the club’s leading players.
The new season will give both men the opportunity to develop their relationship on the pitch.
For Vinicius, the contract extension provides long-term stability.
For Mourinho, keeping the Brazilian strengthens a squad he hopes can challenge for major trophies and restore Real Madrid to the top of Spanish football.
