Real Madrid’s manager Jose Mourinho openly criticized the treatment of winger Vinicius Jr. following their 2-1 victory over Espanyol on August 22, 2026. Mourinho accused both opponents and the public of “bullying” Vinicius, particularly after the star faced backlash for a diving incident during the match. While Mourinho acknowledged that Vinicius is not perfect and has made mistakes, he argued that the level of hostility aimed at him is excessive and unfair, highlighting the need to prepare the player psychologically given the harsh environment.

The victory was secured thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham and Carlos Espi, marking an important win early in Mourinho’s second tenure as Real Madrid’s head coach. Despite the scoreline, Mourinho conceded that Espanyol performed admirably and did not deserve to lose, acknowledging their disciplined defense and dangerous counterattacks. The match reflected a closely fought contest rather than a one-sided affair, underscoring the competitive nature of the La Liga season.

Mourinho’s defense of Vinicius was particularly poignant considering the winger has been a frequent target for criticism and aggressive tactics by opponents. The coach recalled past moments when he had been a vocal opponent to such conduct, including instances touching on broader issues like racism. He urged that as society increasingly condemns bullying in general, the football world must also protect players like Vinicius from persistent negative behavior.

Looking ahead, Real Madrid will face Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday as they continue their campaign after a later-than-usual league start, similar to their city rivals Barcelona. Mourinho stressed the importance of emotional strength for his squad, especially for vulnerable players like Vinicius, as the team gears up to compete at the highest level while managing external pressures from fans and opponents alike.