Real Madrid’s coach says performance alone decides selection as the winger returns for the RB Leipzig match while serving a four match La Liga ban.
Tamrah News Desk | October 20, 2026
Mourinho warns Vinicius Junior and the rest of the Real Madrid squad that no player is untouchable, the coach said on Tuesday ahead of the Champions League match against RB Leipzig. He was asked at his press conference whether the winger’s place is at risk because of the form of record signing Yan Diomande, who cost €140 million. Vinicius is serving a four match La Liga ban for pulling an opponent’s hair, but he is available for the European tie. The remarks were reported by AFP and carried by Malay Mail.
How Mourinho warns Vinicius Junior
AFP reported that Mourinho told journalists, “Only the club badge is untouchable.” He said status, the armband, years at the club and the transfer fee do not make a player untouchable, and that performance on the pitch does. Goal reported the same message, saying no player at the club is beyond being dropped. It added that Mourinho described the referee for the Leipzig match as a very high level official who does not accept joking around. Footmundo noted that Mourinho had been particularly defensive of the winger since joining the club in the summer.
Vinicius Junior Ban Explained
AP reported that Vinicius was shown a straight red card in Real Madrid’s 1 to 0 win over Villarreal for pulling the hair of Nathan Saliba, and the goal he scored was ruled out. Sportsnaut dated the match October 10.
The Spanish federation’s disciplinary committee then announced a four match ban, according to AP. Two matches were for the hair pulling and two more for protests to referee Isidro Diaz de Mera.
PA Media reported that he misses Sevilla on October 18, the El Clasico at Barcelona on October 25, Racing Santander on November 1 and Valencia on November 7. It added that Mourinho refused to conduct post match media duties after the game. Sportsnaut reported that the federation’s appeals committee rejected a Real Madrid appeal. Al Jazeera said Vinicius apologized on social media, writing “sorry to the team and the fans”.
Vinicius Junior Form and Mourinho’s Earlier Backing
ESPN reported that Vinicius had scored once and set up three goals in nine appearances this season, and that Mourinho said it was only a question of when he would return to top form. The coach also explained that after a 2 to 1 derby defeat at Atletico Madrid, he chose to protect the winger by bringing him on from the bench when the game needed him.
Mourinho’s support goes back to the summer. The Week reported that he asked the board to block any exit when Arsenal were linked with the Brazilian, wanting to build around Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. The Express Tribune reported that Mourinho said the Vinicius who is at his best “kills games”. Sports Illustrated reported that Vinicius signed a new six year contract this summer.
Yan Diomande Impresses in Vinicius Absence
AFP said Diomande scored against Sevilla on Sunday while Vinicius was suspended. Footmundo reported that Madrid won that match 4 to 1 and that Diomande looked excellent on the left wing.
Will Vinicius Junior Start in Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig?
Mourinho said Vinicius will play on the left wing against Leipzig, and that he has not yet told Diomande whether he will start. Madrid host the Bundesliga side hoping for a third win from three Champions League league phase matches. In La Liga they are third, six points behind leaders Barcelona, whom they visit on Sunday.
Mourinho Sets High Standards at Real Madrid
AFP reported that Mourinho said the team is a long way from the level he wants, and that the club’s demands are the maximum. French defender Ibrahima Konate told reporters that Mourinho commands respect without needing to speak.
