Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
One of the biggest issues at Real Madrid at the moment is the constant outside chatter surrounding Vinicius Junior.
Opponents in La Liga often target the Brazilian superstar and persistently foul him in a bid to stop him, while fans at other stadiums are not a big fan of his antics.
The 26-year-old himself often tends to go down with minimal contact, which further adds to the furore around other clubs.
After last night’s match, Espanyol took a dig at the Madrid star with a tweet aimed at him, suggesting that he deserved a second yellow for simulation.
Now, according to AS, Jose Mourinho has made his position on Vinicius Junior clear: he will defend the Brazilian when he feels opponents go too far.
However, he will also demand greater emotional control from one of Madrid’s most important players.
Mourinho: ‘Now, Vini is mine’
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid superstar
Vinicius Jr didn’t have the best of nights vs Espanyol. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Mourinho considers Vinicius fully part of his project and wants to protect him while also preventing his reactions from damaging either himself or the team.
The relationship between the pair had previously been strained by incidents when Mourinho was still on the opposing side, particularly during the Benfica-Real Madrid clashes last season.
That dynamic has now changed completely.
Mourinho made that clear after the recent match against Espanyol, saying: “Now Vini is mine.”
The Portuguese coach also defended the winger against what he believes is excessive physical and psychological targeting from opponents.
“He is not a saint, but what they do to him is too much,” Mourinho said.
Support does not mean total freedom
Mourinho’s backing, however, is not unconditional approval of everything Vinicius does.
The report says the coach knows the Brazilian has a rebellious streak that needs to be managed carefully, especially in emotionally charged matches.
He has spoken to Vinicius about maintaining self-control and even warned him to be careful about how he celebrates goals.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Vini must earn Mourinho’s trust. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
This is where Mourinho’s management could become important.
Vinicius often plays on the edge emotionally, and that fire is part of what makes him dangerous. However, it needs to be fuelled carefully.
Mourinho appears determined to strike the perfect balance.
He will defend Vinicius publicly when he feels the winger is being unfairly targeted, but behind the scenes, he will also demand discipline.
Vinicius does not need a coach who simply tells him he is always right.
He needs one who understands his frustration, protects him when necessary and still holds him accountable when his reactions threaten the team’s interests.
There is no better man-manager than Jose to do that, and it remains to be seen whether the Portuguese tactician helps soften Vinicius a bit and brings his football back to the forefront.
Erling Haaland of Norway and Manchester City
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland has become as synonymous with his long hair as he has with his goalscoring exploits.
Thus, his striking new look has taken over the internet, and two Real Madrid stars could not resist reacting to it.
Both Jude Bellingham and Ibrahima Konate appeared in the comments under Haaland’s post, offering very different but equally amusing reactions to the Norwegian’s new appearance.
Bellingham cannot believe Haaland’s new look
Bellingham kept his reaction extremely simple.
Source: Madrid Zone/Instagram
“No way,” the Real Madrid midfielder wrote, with his comment quickly attracting plenty of attention from supporters.
Konate, meanwhile, saw a resemblance to a rather famous Scandinavian warrior.
“Ragnar,” the Madrid centre-back commented.
The reference appears to be to Ragnar Lothbrok, the legendary Viking figure whose modern portrayal has become particularly recognisable through the television series Vikings.
Given Haaland’s Norwegian roots, imposing physique and now his new hairstyle, it is not difficult to see where Konate was coming from.
Madrid duo enjoy Haaland transformation
It was ultimately nothing more than some light-hearted interaction between players who regularly cross paths at the highest level of European football.
It also offers another small glimpse of the relationships these elite footballers share and how they engage with one another.
Even when they represent rival clubs, many of them share international dressing rooms, sponsor events and years of playing against each other across major competitions.
Erling Haaland, ready for the new season. ✂️ pic.twitter.com/DvcJ4XIo3G
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 23, 2026
The timing also makes the exchange a little more amusing given how often Haaland’s name has been linked with Real Madrid over the years.
There is no transfer angle here, of course, but Madrid supporters are more than familiar with seeing the Norwegian discussed in reference to the club.
Bellingham and Konate have now caught everyone’s attention by reacting to Haaland’s new look, and it will not be long before the trend catches on.
Konate was signed from Liverpool earlier this summer and has crossed paths with Haaland very often in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid vs Manchester City has developed into an annual occurrence in the Champions League, and Bellingham has also shared the stage with Haaland at Borussia Dortmund.
It remains to be seen whether this new-look Haaland remains as lethal as his long-haired version in the coming months and years.