Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has stated that forward Vinicius Junior is a footballer like any other and called for fair treatment from referees.
Speaking in comments reported by Spanish sports publication As, the 63-year-old Portuguese manager argued that match officials and opposition supporters must learn to treat the Brazilian player properly.
Mourinho said that referees need to judge incidents objectively rather than by player identity. He stated that a penalty should not be awarded just because someone is Pedrerol, nor should it be denied simply because it involves Vinicius.
The manager also spoke of ongoing disrespect toward the team's Brazilian player, highlighting how opposition crowds react during matches.
Opposition crowd hostility in friendly matches
Mourinho questioned why spectators boo one of the best players in the world when they have no personal grievance against him.
He pointed out that Real Madrid often travel for friendly fixtures against sides such as Spanish club Deportivo or German team Schalke. Despite Vinicius having rarely played against those teams, Mourinho said supporters begin jeering as soon as he touches the ball for the first time.
Deportivo La Coruna and Schalke 04 are both established European clubs that feature in high-profile friendly matches during pre-season tours.
Contract extension and Real Madrid career statistics
The comments come following a major contract commitment to the player by the Spanish club. On August 6, Real Madrid concluded a new six-year contract with Vinicius.
The 26-year-old forward has been playing for the Spanish giants since 2018, when he moved to Europe from Brazil. Real Madrid, known as Los Blancos, play in La Liga and are based at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid.
During his time with the team, Vinicius has won 14 trophies. His domestic and international honors include two UEFA Champions League titles and three Spanish league championships.
The Brazilian international has made 375 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 128 goals since his arrival eight years ago.
