Vinicius Junior is coming under increasing scrutiny in Spain, while the pressure on José Mourinho to make a major decision regarding the Brazilian winger is growing by the day.
Vinicius was substituted in the 54th minute of Real Madrid’s clash with Atlético Madrid following Dean Huijsen’s red card, and he has now failed to complete any of the club’s last four matches. For the Brazilian international, the situation at the Santiago Bernabéu is becoming increasingly complicated, despite the fact that he signed a lucrative contract extension with Real Madrid during the summer.
Spanish journalist Anton Meana, speaking on Cadena SER, added further fuel to the debate by claiming that several of Vinicius’ teammates had previously considered his departure for Arsenal this summer to be almost certain.
“Many of Vinicius’ teammates believed it was basically decided that he would leave for Arsenal this summer,” Meana reported. According to the journalist, although the winger eventually renewed his contract with Real Madrid, some people inside the dressing room feel that “mentally, he is somewhere else.”
At Real Madrid, however, patience is traditionally limited when performances and results fail to meet expectations. The club’s enormous demands mean that few players are considered untouchable, particularly when the team is going through a difficult period.
As a result, pressure is now mounting on Mourinho to consider dropping Vinicius from the starting lineup and giving more opportunities to Yan Diomande, who has impressed during his recent appearances.
During a debate on Onda Cero, journalist Látigo Serrano argued that Real Madrid now face a difficult decision regarding the Brazilian.
“You can put him on the bench, but he cannot remain a substitute for a long period,” Serrano said. “Because if that happens, then you have to let him leave the club in January. With Vinicius, either he plays or you sell him.”
Serrano went even further, suggesting that although Real Madrid were not necessarily wrong to carefully consider Vinicius’ contract renewal, the final decision to extend his deal may ultimately prove costly.
“It was a mistake,” he concluded.
🚨 .@As_TomasRoncero: "Vinicius Junior… Terrible. He's having a very bad season, we have to say it like that. He should be on the bench."
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) September 21, 2026
"There's no problem in saying that Vini deserves to sit on the bench. Mourinho is supposed to have the courage to make tough decisions." pic.twitter.com/YiOdDKWR6K
The criticism is particularly significant because it is no longer coming only from Vinicius’ usual detractors. Tomás Roncero, a well-known Real Madrid supporter and journalist who regularly defends the club’s players, has also suggested that the Brazilian should be dropped from the starting eleven.
According to Roncero, Diomande has done enough to deserve a starting role based on his recent performances.
Alberto Pereiro also praised the youngster during the discussion on Onda Cero, highlighting his contribution at both ends of the pitch.
“He has been impressive, including defensively,” Pereiro said.
Mourinho therefore faces an increasingly delicate situation. Vinicius remains one of Real Madrid’s biggest stars and most valuable attacking players, but Diomande’s emergence has created genuine competition for places.
With expectations always extremely high at a club that has won the Champions League 15 times, every decision is closely examined. Mourinho must now decide whether to continue trusting Vinicius through this difficult spell or reward Diomande’s recent performances with a place in the starting lineup.
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