Real Madrid: The 6 protégés of José Mourinho

Mbappé, Vinicius and Bellingham among the six cornerstones Mourinho wants to rebuild Real around

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Real Madrid: The 6 protégés of José Mourinho

José Mourinho has already established a very clear hierarchy at Real Madrid. Six players are reportedly considered untouchable in the Portuguese manager’s new project.

Real Madrid is entering a new era under the leadership of José Mourinho. Back at the Casa Blanca with the mission to restore order both on the pitch and in a locker room shaken in recent months, the Special One is already laying the foundations for his team. According to AS, six players currently enjoy a special status in his plans.

The six untouchables of José Mourinho

Unsurprisingly, Kylian Mbappé is at the heart of the project. The French striker is joined by Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde and Marc Cucurella, who was signed this summer. These six are seen as indispensable by Mourinho, who intends to build his team around their sporting influence and experience.

Vinicius, in fact, sent a strong signal by extending his contract until 2032. The Portuguese coach was personally involved in convincing the Brazilian to continue his journey in Madrid. Several weeks earlier, Vinicius had already welcomed Mourinho’s return as a way to restore order in the dressing room.

A seventh name could soon join this list: Yan Diomandé. The Ivorian winger has just signed on until 2033 in a deal that could reach 140 million euros, and his profile matches the new coach’s offensive requirements perfectly.

Mourinho to put the team above egos

The mission entrusted to the Portuguese coach goes well beyond mere tactical choices. After two trophyless seasons, recently re-elected president Florentino Pérez wants to rebuild a Real Madrid capable of quickly returning to the top of La Liga and the Champions League.

Mourinho arrives with a reputation for imposing a strict hierarchy. His goal will be to put the collective above individualities in a squad packed with stars. For those players not among his untouchables, the message is clear: their status will have to be earned on the pitch.

A first spell that reignited Real

His return inevitably brings back memories of his first spell from 2010 to 2013. Back then, Mourinho inherited a Real Madrid struggling to keep pace with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. Under his guidance, Los Blancos reached three consecutive Champions League semi-finals.

The Portuguese manager also won the Copa del Rey in 2011 before clinching the 2011-2012 La Liga title with 100 points, ending Barça’s domestic dominance. More than a decade later, Florentino Pérez hopes Mourinho’s trademark character can once again rebuild a Madrid side capable of ruling Spain and Europe.