Vinicius Junior Set to Start for Real Madrid Against RB Leipzig
Vinicius Junior will start Real Madrid’s next Champions League match against RB Leipzig despite a difficult spell that has brought a four-game La Liga ban, criticism from sections of the Santiago Bernabeu and an early substitution in the 4-3 win over Roma.
Why Vinicius’ response matters for Real Madrid
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 26 |
| La Liga suspension | Four matches |
| Recent European result | Real Madrid 4-3 Roma |
| Roma substitution | 59th minute |
| Contract term | Until 2032 |
| Goals for Real Madrid | More than 100 |
The Brazilian remains one of the defining players of Madrid’s recent European success, having played a major part in the club’s Champions League wins in 2022 and 2024. But his position has come under closer examination since Kylian Mbappe arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, while Endrick is now pressing for a greater role.
Vinicius was strongly linked with Arsenal during the summer, but instead committed his future to Madrid by signing a long-term extension through to 2032. His recent performances, however, have been met by whistles from some supporters at the Bernabeu.
The immediate domestic issue is his suspension. Vinicius received a straight red card against Villarreal and is unavailable for four league fixtures, leaving him unable to feature in the match with Sevilla.
His latest setback came against Roma in midweek. Madrid were 3-1 behind when he lost the ball in the move that led to Roma’s second goal, and Mourinho replaced him in the 59th minute. Endrick entered and helped spark Madrid’s eventual 4-3 comeback.
Vinicius made no attempt to conceal his disappointment at being taken off, explaining that he expects to react emotionally because he wants to stay on the pitch, contribute and play every available minute. Yet he also insisted that his current form will improve.
Reflecting on the doubts that followed him after he arrived in Spain at 18, Vinicius noted that many had questioned whether he could score for Madrid. He has since passed 100 goals for the club and said he is convinced the goals and better performances will return.
Mourinho backs the winger’s resilience
Speaking before the Sevilla game, Mourinho said he was struck by Vinicius’ capacity to withstand the hostility around him. He suggested that, with the range of alternatives available to a player of his standing, he personally might have sought a move to a club and league where he felt more appreciated.
Mourinho also stressed that Vinicius’ decision to sign the new contract reflected his attachment to Madrid. The manager described Real Madrid as the forward’s home and said the player had shown a level of mental strength he was not sure he would have possessed in similar circumstances.
Madrid will now look to their Leipzig fixture as an opportunity for Vinicius to reset away from the league suspension. Mourinho has confirmed that the Brazilian will be restored to the starting side for that European match.
Questions still to be answered
Vinicius’ place in the side for Leipzig is clear, but his longer-term task is to recover the form that made him central to Madrid’s biggest victories. With Mbappe commanding attention and Endrick making a strong case for more involvement, his response in the coming European games will be closely watched.
