Why Jose Mourinho has risked tainting his legacy with comments about Vinicius Jr

Last Updated on 19 February 2026

Jose Mourinho has built a career on bold statements and fearless confidence. But his reaction to the alleged racial abuse of Vinicius Jr during Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Benfica has sparked outrage.

For a manager celebrated as the “Special One,” known for thriving under pressure, his attempt to criticize a victim has landed poorly. Social media and pundits alike have accused Mourinho of deflecting responsibility and gaslighting the issue.

The episode has put Mourinho’s judgment under the microscope. It also raises uncomfortable questions about how much his legacy can withstand controversy beyond the pitch.

Jose Mourinho has tried shifting focus away from Gianluca Prestianni

The match was halted for ten minutes after Vinicius reported abuse from Gianluca Prestianni. Yet in the post-match, Mourinho turned attention away from the alleged misconduct. It’s part of his us-versus-them mentality but some things are greater than football.

By suggesting Vinicius “incited” the crowd with his goal celebration and claiming “something happens” in every stadium Vinicius visits, Mourinho framed it as the player’s fault. Many saw this as clear victim-blaming, an unusual stance for a coach who often champions underdogs.

Pundits like Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards slammed his remarks. For a man famous for provoking rival fans, criticizing a player’s celebration felt more like deflection than critique.

Jose Mourinho’s legacy under scrutiny, once again

Mourinho also referenced Benfica’s history, invoking Eusebio to dismiss accusations of racism. Anti-discrimination groups, including Kick It Out, rejected this as a flawed argument that ignores modern realities.

At 63, Mourinho remains tactically brilliant, but this episode shows a disconnect from today’s expectations of sports figures. Prioritizing club reputation over the dignity of an opponent could overshadow decades of achievements.

By choosing rhetoric over responsibility, Mourinho risks being remembered less for trophies and more as a figure reluctant to adapt to a modern, socially conscious game. For someone whose brand has long been invincible, this may be the controversy that stings the most.