Real Madrid vice-captain Vinicius Jr. has confidently declared his team will win the Champions League this season, aiming to secure his third title and extend the club’s record tally to 16. This ambition comes after two trophyless seasons, during which rival Barcelona dominated domestic football. Vinicius highlighted his significant past final goals, including the 2024 win against Borussia Dortmund, and emphasized the Champions League as “our competition,” expressing certainty that this season will be different.

Speaking ahead of their Champions League group stage opener against Inter Milan on September 8, 2026, Vinicius praised Inter as a physically strong and well-organized team, known for their defensive resilience. He acknowledged the challenge posed by Inter’s five-defender setup but assured that coach Jose Mourinho has prepared the team adequately to handle it. Vinicius also mentioned the importance of the electrifying atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu during European nights and his desire to reconnect energetically with the fans.

While the squad faces some key player absences, especially in midfield with the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric—crucial contributors to Real’s successful 2024 double-winning campaign—the forwards, including Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe, will need to help defensively. Mbappe’s willingness to embrace these defensive duties was highlighted amid some controversy, signaling a team effort to compensate for the missing midfield stability.

Real Madrid’s preparation under Mourinho has injected a renewed optimism despite these challenges. Vinicius stressed the team’s immediate aim to reach the Champions League quarterfinals and their strong commitment to restoring Real Madrid’s standing as the competition’s premier club. Given the club’s historic pedigree and squad talent, their pursuit of a 16th European Cup is poised to be a defining storyline this season.