Mbappe Stirs the Pot: Vinicius Junior's Sadness Is Exactly What the Team Needs!

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has said that Vinícius Júnior being "sad" is not an issue, as it simply shows he "wants to give a lot to the team."

Vinícius Jr's performances have been a growing source of worry at Real Madrid this season, with the 26-year-old finding it difficult under new manager José Mourinho's second spell in charge.

The Brazilian attacker, who was named The Best FIFA Men's Player in 2024, has found the net just once in 2026–27—in a 4–1 victory against Real Sociedad back in August—and his displays have attracted attention for all the wrong reasons.

What's Going on With Vinicius Jr This Season?

A frequent target of jeers from the Bernabéu faithful this season—partly driven by Vinícius Jr's drawn-out contract situation and reported interest from Arsenal—his underwhelming displays have escalated from a minor concern to a significant one for Real Madrid in recent weeks.

The winger was hauled off before the 60-minute mark during the Madrid derby loss ahead of the last international break, having failed to create a chance or register a single shot on target. He was then sent off with a straight red card in the 1–0 victory over Villarreal after grabbing the hair of Nathan Saliba—a dismissal that has resulted in a four-match domestic ban.

Mourinho described Vinícius Jr's current slump as "heartbreaking," but later delivered a blunt warning that no player is "untouchable" within the squad.

In contrast, Mbappé has flourished this season, netting 12 goals already, giving rise to theories that the team can only accommodate one of the two star forwards at any one time.

Vinícius Jr in La Liga in 2026–27

'Stay Calm, Be Proud'—Mbappe's Advice to Teammate

Vinícius Jr failed to get on the scoresheet once again on Wednesday as Madrid cruised to a 4–1 win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

Los Blancos's No. 7 had a pair of shots kept out on the night and won four of his five duels, but was replaced by Yan Diomande—who went on to both score and assist—on the 70-minute mark.

Vinícius Jr looked visibly downcast as he trudged off the pitch, a moment that did not go unnoticed by the television cameras.

When asked about his teammate's state of mind following the game, Mbappé argued that Vinícius Jr's reaction to his poor form actually speaks well of him.

"It's okay. It's good that Vinícius is sad because he wants to give a lot to the team and the fans. He needs to stay calm and be proud of who he is. He's a great player with great quality," he told Movistar Plus pitchside after the final whistle.

Mbappé went on to reveal he shares a similar mindset, stating: "I can do more. I'm one of those players who always needs to be pushed harder. It's never enough for a player like me."

What Next for Vinicius Jr?

Vinícius Jr will certainly be absent when Madrid travel to face Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday, Oct. 25, with the winger serving a suspension for the opening Clásico of the season.

The same applies to the next two La Liga fixtures against Racing Santander (Nov. 1) and Valencia (Nov. 7)—although Madrid are still pursuing an appeal to have the ban paused or shortened in order to allow Vinícius Jr to play in at least the Valencia match.

As his suspension does not extend to European competition, he will be eligible for Madrid's next Champions League fixture away at AEK Athens on Wednesday, Nov. 4. However, with summer arrival Diomande hitting top form with six goal contributions across his last four appearances, there is a compelling argument that Madrid are currently stronger without their second-highest earner in the starting eleven.

Mourinho's recent remarks about no player being "untouchable" suggest that Vinícius Jr can no longer consider his starting spot guaranteed.