Jose Mourinho advised Vinicius Jr. to celebrate his stunning goal against Benfica differently.
The Real Madrid player gained attention after scoring in a gripping Champions League match that also involved accusations of racist abuse.
Mourinho’s comments after the match focused more on the celebration than the goal itself.
Photo by Octavio Passos – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Mourinho questions Vinicius Jr.’s celebration
After the Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid, Mourinho addressed Vinicius Jr.’s reaction to his goal. The Brazilian winger scored a goal that many considered exceptional.
Instead of discussing the quality of Vinicius Jr.’s goal, Mourinho focused on how it was celebrated.
“I told Vini: you scored a wondergoal, why did you celebrate like that? Why not celebrate with the joy of being a great player?”
Mourinho’s statement suggested he believed the celebration was unnecessary. His focus shifted to sportsmanship rather than the goal’s technical excellence.
Context surrounding a tense Champions League night
The match was charged with tension due to allegations of racist abuse against Vinicius Jr. This context heightened scrutiny and sparked strong reactions across the football community.
In this atmosphere, Mourinho’s comments were seen in different lights. Some felt it disregarded the emotional backdrop, while others viewed it as urging calm in any situation.
Vinicius has spoken out against racism in football and has faced multiple incidents during his career. His reactions on the field often reflect those experiences.
This incident illustrates how quickly focus can shift in prominent European matches. In this case, the talk moved from the great goal to the implications of the celebration.