Sport
Courtois Criticises Mourinho Over Vinicius Jr Celebration
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois criticises José Mourinho over his handling of Vinicius Jr’s goal celebration against Benfica
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has criticised Benfica coach José Mourinho over his handling of Vinicius Jr’s goal celebration in the first leg of the Champions League play-off.
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The controversy arose after Vinicius Jr scored against Benfica and celebrated, a gesture interpreted by some Benfica fans as provocative. Mourinho publicly defended the celebration, comments which were perceived by many as excusing discriminatory behaviour.
Courtois, speaking on Tuesday and quoted by Fabrizio Romano on X, said: “Mourinho is Mourinho, as a coach you’ll always defend your club and your player… but one thing disappointed me. Mourinho was using Vini’s celebration as an excuse. You cannot justify racism over a celebration.”
He added: “I believe what Vini said, 100%. Vinicius never, ever accused any rival player of racism in the past. He 100% heard Prestianni say it, he told us many times. It was Vinicius who decided that we should continue playing the game against Benfica. If he decided to walk out, we would’ve all walked out.”
The remarks follow widespread support for Vinicius Jr from ex-players and current stars after the alleged racist incident during Real Madrid’s 1–0 victory over Benfica.
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany also criticised Mourinho for his post-match comments, highlighting the growing scrutiny over the issue in European football.
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Courtois’ comments underline a clear message that discrimination should not be justified under the guise of on-field celebrations, and that players’ integrity must be respected.
Cristiano Ronaldo announces his retirement from Portugal international duty after 23 years, ending a career that included 146 goals in 234 games
On 5 November 2026, Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international duty, bringing an end to a 23-year career with the national team just as a rift with manager Jorge Jesus appeared to have been patched up.
Also read: Mourinho Balanced on Vinicius With Soft Approach
The 41-year-old posted a video on social media in which he declared that the time had come to hang up the number 7 jersey.
“Portugal will always be in me,” he said. “The time has come to hang up the number 7 of our national team. I never felt it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it.”
Ronaldo added that the decision was not easy and had been taken with both the head and the heart.
He leaves as Portugal’s most capped player and the highest goalscorer in men’s international football history, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
His career highlights include the Euro 2016 title and two UEFA Nations League triumphs.
The announcement comes a day before Jorge Jesus was due to name his squad for the November Nations League fixtures, following reports that Ronaldo had been included in the preliminary selection after a September fallout over playing time.
In October, Ronaldo had accused Jesus of breaking his word after being left as an unused substitute against Norway, leading him to leave the national team camp.
He later apologised and stated he remained available after any punishment.
The pair were reported to have cleared the air, yet Ronaldo has now chosen to step away entirely.
The decision closes one of the most remarkable international careers the sport has seen and leaves Portugal without its long-serving captain for the remainder of the Nations League campaign.
Also read: Mourinho Balanced on Vinicius With Soft Approach
Football has been stunned by the sudden end to Ronaldo’s Portugal chapter. While he continues at club level with Al Nassr, the national team must now look to the future without its greatest ever player.
José Mourinho says he is 80 per cent soft and 20 per cent tough with Vinicius Júnior after Real Madrid’s Champions League win over AEK Athens
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