Mourinho names Vinicius Jr as second captain to seal Real Madrid future

Jose Mourinho has made his boldest move yet to keep Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid by handing the Brazilian winger a vice-captaincy role, according to reports in Spain. The new Madrid boss, appointed last month, is determined to resolve the ongoing contract dispute that has clouded the 25-year-old’s future at the Bernabeu. Vinicius Jr’s current deal runs until June 2027, and with no extension agreed, he would be free to negotiate with foreign clubs from January – a scenario the club is desperate to avoid. Spanish outlet AS reports that Mourinho has named Vinicius as second captain, a clear signal of the manager’s intent to build the team around him. The move comes after a turbulent period under former coach Xabi Alonso, who lost the dressing room and was sacked in January. Vinicius was among the players who felt sidelined under Alonso. Contract talks resumed after Brazil’s exit from the World Cup, and while no breakthrough was reached, both sides expressed a clear desire to find an agreement. Another round of discussions is expected at the end of the month, with optimism growing that the forward will commit his long-term future to the club rather than pursue lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League. Mourinho has already convinced Aurelien Tchouameni to stay amid interest from Manchester United, and he now appears to be working his magic on Vinicius. The Portuguese is also aware that Brahim Diaz, Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rudiger all have contracts expiring next June, making the next few months critical for Madrid’s squad planning.