Will Vinicius Junior still be in Real Madrid’s starting lineup when the team returns from the international break? After a particularly disappointing start to the season, the question is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
José Mourinho has continued to show faith in the Brazilian winger, but the Portuguese coach is far from blind to his current struggles. More importantly, Mourinho now has several alternatives available if he decides to reshape his attacking line. The most obvious option is Yan Diomandé, one of Real Madrid’s summer signings.
The Ivorian winger is capable of replacing Vinicius on the left flank and has already shown this season that he can make a significant impact in that position. His recent performances have certainly strengthened his case and given Mourinho another credible option to consider.
The Real Madrid coach could also opt for a completely different formula. One possibility would be to move Kylian Mbappé permanently to the left wing and use a natural centre-forward such as Carlos Espi or Endrick through the middle. Mbappé already tends to drift into Vinicius’ preferred areas, something that was particularly noticeable during the Madrid derby.
Another alternative would be a change of system, with Mourinho switching to a two-striker formation. In that setup, players such as Brahim Diaz, Arda Güler, Espi or Endrick could partner Mbappé up front. Xabi Alonso experimented with a similar approach at the beginning of last season, although Vinicius was involved in that attacking structure.
For now, Mourinho has not abandoned the Brazilian. During Vinicius’ difficult start to the campaign, the Portuguese coach repeatedly defended him publicly.
“The best Vinicius will arrive soon,” Mourinho said. “The Vinicius from last year, when the Bernabéu was afraid against Benfica and he ended up changing the tie. The Vinicius who could win matches almost by himself has not arrived yet. But he will.”
The problem for Vinicius is that there has been little improvement since those comments. Real Madrid cannot afford to wait forever, particularly if results become more difficult in La Liga. The Brazilian’s place in the starting eleven is no longer untouchable, and his direct competitors are beginning to provide Mourinho with convincing arguments.
🚨 NEW: Vinícius’ form is a concern for Jose Mourinho, but he believes his impact is GAME CHANGING.
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) September 23, 2026
He believes that not many players in the world can change games like Vinícius can, and wants him to be back.
The coach is NOT frustrated. @diarioas pic.twitter.com/zmPtxY0Cps
The international break therefore comes at an important moment. It gives Mourinho time to analyse his options and consider whether a significant attacking adjustment is necessary.
Vinicius will also return from a long trip with the Brazilian national team, something Mourinho could use as an opportunity to rotate his squad. As early as the home match against Villarreal on October 10, the Portuguese coach could decide to test Diomandé on the left or move Mbappé into that position.
Vinicius would still be expected to return to the starting lineup afterwards, but the situation has clearly changed. He would come back under greater pressure and with a much smaller margin for error.
The message is becoming increasingly simple: Vinicius must rediscover his best form, and he must do it quickly. With Mourinho now possessing several attacking alternatives, reputation alone may no longer be enough to guarantee the Brazilian a permanent place in Real Madrid’s starting eleven.
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