Full Breakdown
Mourinho declares Real Madrid squad “closed” as he decries differential treatment of Vinícius Jr.
8/26/2026, 1:48:13 AM
Core Event – Press conference after the La Liga opener
On August 25, 2026, Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho addressed reporters after the team’s 2-1 victory over Espanyol. He said the squad is complete, noted that the transfer market remains technically open, and criticised what he described as a “spiral” of unequal treatment toward winger Vinícius Júnior.
Background & Context – Summer overhaul and midfield reshuffle
During the 2026 summer window Real Madrid added six players, including record signing Yan Diomande, Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella. The club missed out on midfielder Rodri, who joined Barcelona, leaving Silva as the primary new midfield acquisition after the departures of Luka Modric (2024) and Toni Kroos (2025). Mourinho also confirmed that French defensive midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni was not ready to start the season.
Official Statements & Responses – Mourinho on the squad, transfers and Vinícius
Mourinho reiterated that no further signings are planned but left the door open for unexpected departures: “For me the squad is closed, but the market is still open – you never know if a player will come and say ‘I’ve been benched twice and I want to leave’.” He explained Tchouaméni’s absence as a medical precaution: “So we decided with him, the staff, the medical department, to get him to return at 100 percent.”
Regarding Vinícius, Mourinho said: “What I can say is that Vinicius Jr’s general difference (in treatment) from other players is obvious. It has entered a spiral… It’s a deal I don’t like. They kicked him. That is an aggression, it was an expulsion.” He added that the responsibility for on-field aggression rests with referees: “With the aggression on Vinícius, I understand that the referee didn't see it.”
Data & Statistics – Transfer activity and opening-match facts
- Six new signings confirmed: Yan Diomande, Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konaté and Carlos Espí.
- Rodri signed for Barcelona after the window closed.
- La Liga opener ended 2-1, with Jude Bellingham scoring early and Carlos Espí netting the decisive goal in the 90th minute.
- Vinícius Jr. was fouled eight times in the Espanyol match, a point Mourinho highlighted.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For me the squad is closed, but the market is still open – you never know if a player will come and say ‘I’ve been benched twice and I want to leave,'” — José Mourinho
- “So we decided with him, the staff, the medical department, to get him to return at 100 percent.” — José Mourinho
- “What I can say is that Vinicius Jr’s general difference (in treatment) from other players is obvious. It has entered a spiral, opponents feel that they can do it and they do. It’s like little children, who go as far as you allow them to go. It’s a deal I don’t like. They kicked him. That is an aggression, it was an expulsion,” — José Mourinho
- “With the aggression on Vinícius, I understand that the referee didn't see it," Mourinho said.” — José Mourinho
What’s Next – Upcoming fixture
Real Madrid host Real Sociedad at the Bernabéu on August 26. Mourinho’s comments suggest he will continue to monitor squad fitness and the handling of Vinícius Jr. in the forthcoming match.
