According to AS, Mourinho was instrumental in Vinicius's contract renewal, consistently viewing him as a cornerstone of his new project.

The renewal process was protracted and involved several complications. External speculation intensified, but both parties shared a clear objective: to continue together. Real Madrid committed to keeping him and sweetened their offer in the final stages, while Vinicius also demonstrated flexibility, making concessions from his initial demands. Through negotiation, both sides reached common ground and signed a contract extension through 2032. However, in this final, accelerated, and decisive phase, another crucial factor emerged: Mourinho. Mourinho did not conjure the renewal out of thin air; other factors were genuinely decisive. Yet the Portuguese coach's influence proved invaluable. For Vinicius, feeling valued, needed, and central to the new project was not merely important—it was essential. This proved as critical as reaching financial agreement on Wednesday, and it is precisely what Mourinho conveyed. In his thank-you message following the official announcement, Vinicius acknowledged the "President," "Juni," "José Ángel," and his teammates, and notably singled out Mourinho.

Mourinho envisions Real Madrid progressing with Vinicius, and that vision will now become reality. The player represents one of the core pillars around which he intends to build the team. This stems from his well-documented qualities: the ability to alter a match single-handedly and consistent vertical thrust—both fundamental to Mourinho's tactical philosophy. The two had their first contact during the World Cup, when Mourinho called Vinicius. That conversation was exploratory rather than focused on specifics or future plans; it simply established their initial rapport. Since then, their relationship has flourished.

Now Mourinho faces a dual challenge. First, he must reinvigorate the player who narrowly missed winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or. All parties are confident they can create an optimal environment to restore Vinicius's form and statistics. While his last season showed no dramatic decline—22 goals and 11 assists—marking his fifth consecutive season with over 20 goals and 10 goal contributions combined, it remained turbulent. His relationship with Xabi Alonso deteriorated, reaching a nadir during the Camp Nou incident, which defined the season's opening phase. Although Arbeloa publicly backed him on several occasions, Vinicius views the 2026-27 season as both a chance for redemption and a personal test. During the World Cup under Ancelotti, he started promisingly but suffered a setback with the round-of-16 loss to Norway. Now, with his renewal secured and Mourinho's backing, he is reinvigorated.

Mourinho's second task is harmonizing the star-laden squad. He must synchronize Vinicius and Mbappé rather than have two superstars operating independently. He must ensure Bellingham, another leading voice, maintains the commanding presence he displayed at the World Cup—the Bellingham who once captivated the Bernabéu. He must establish them as leaders of this new Real Madrid. Although the club failed to acquire Rodri, the squad has undergone significant transformation and gained a dynamic weapon in Diomande, whose signing also reflects Mourinho's decisive influence and advocacy. To orchestrate everything seamlessly, Mourinho understands that all players must operate from the same tactical blueprint. Vinicius is paramount. This is why the renewal carries such weight.

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