Jose Mourinho defends Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has publicly defended his players Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe following harsh criticism regarding their recent performances. Fans and pundits have questioned the attacking productivity of Vinicius and the defensive contributions of Mbappe, but Mourinho dismissed these concerns on September 11, 2026, expressing his full satisfaction with both players.

Using a Portuguese proverb, Mourinho stated that criticism is often reserved for those who achieve significant results, emphasizing that Vinicius has already proven himself through his high goal-scoring tally and success in the Champions League. Regarding Mbappe, the coach highlighted his tactical awareness and commitment, specifically citing an instance where the forward tracked back to support Marc Cucurella during a match where the team was shorthanded. Mourinho characterized the critics as individuals who intentionally ignore positive contributions and tactical discipline.

The manager’s comments arrive during a period of ongoing media speculation surrounding the output of high-profile football stars. By publicly backing his players, Mourinho aims to shield them from negativity and maintain team morale, asserting that a player capable of scoring 40 goals a season can never be considered a problem for the squad.