Real Madrid News
Real Madrid summer signing loses leading role national team at the 2026 World Cup
Real Madrid have made four summer signings so far, and the one that seemed the most dramatic and least likely was the arrival of Bernardo Silva.
The versatile Portuguese star chose to leave Manchester City at the end of his contract last season, and La Liga seemed like his most likely destination.
Initially, it looked like he would join Barcelona. Subsequently, Atletico Madrid leapfrogged them in the race, only for Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid to swoop in at the 11th hour and get it done.
Los Blancos’ summer signing arrived at the World Cup expected to be one of Portugal’s important players, but the tournament has not gone to plan for him.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Bernardo has gradually lost prominence under Roberto Martinez after starting Portugal’s opening match against DR Congo, a disappointing 1-1 draw.
Since then, his role has changed completely.
The former Manchester City midfielder has started on the bench, and he did not play a single minute in Portugal’s important group-stage match against Colombia.
Portugal role has changed
Bernardo did return to the pitch in the Round of 32 against Croatia, but only for 28 minutes, and he did not do much to convince Martinez to change his mind for the next match either.
The current feeling is that he has fallen behind players such as Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto and Joao Felix in Martinez’s attacking structure.
That does not mean Bernardo has suddenly lost his quality. International tournaments can be strange, and coaches often choose profiles based on pace, match-ups and specific tactical needs.
Still, it is fair to ask why a player of his intelligence and experience has become secondary for Portugal at such an important stage.
Real Madrid must unlock him
Bernardo was signed because of what he has shown for years under Pep Guardiola: control, technique, movement between the lines, defensive work and the ability to make better decisions in crowded areas.
Those qualities do not disappear because of one difficult World Cup. This is not a reason to panic, especially for Real Madrid.
The real question is how Jose Mourinho plans to use him. Bernardo is not a pure winger anymore, and profiling him is very important.
His value often comes in rhythm, control and tactical balance, and Los Blancos will need that, especially in matches where the team must manage possession and reduce chaos.
For starters, Mourinho must give him a clear role. Portugal’s World Cup has not brought the best version of Bernardo Silva.
Real Madrid will hope that, under Jose, they will find a way to use him better, and it remains to be seen how he fares in a Los Blancos jersey.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.
However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
Despite the new deal, there are some concerns over Vinicius that have now reached the dressing room.
As quoted by Diario AS, an unnamed dressing-room heavyweight approached Mourinho after the game and expressed worry about the treatment Vinicius is receiving from a section of the Bernabeu crowd.
“Worried about Vini
The concern came after Vinicius was heavily whistled when he was substituted late in the Inter match, despite producing one of his stronger collective performances of the season.
“Boss, I am worried about Vini,” the senior player told Mourinho.
“After everything he has done for Madrid over the years, the way part of the fans have treated him is not normal. We have to make him happy again.”
This is no longer only about outside criticism or Mourinho publicly defending one of his forwards. The dressing room itself has recognised that Vinicius may need support.
Mourinho still sees Vinicius as untouchable
Despite how the crowd have been treating the 26-year-old, within the club, there is no doubt about what Vinicius brings to the table.
Mourinho sees him as one of the first names on the team sheet and an untouchable player in his plans for the club.
To his credit, the Brazilian has shown far greater defensive commitment and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his team.
This has undoubtedly led Mourinho to appreciate the effort, and the manager is determined to help Vinicius return to his best level.
Madrid need to protect one of their key players
That approach makes sense.
Vinicius has spent years carrying enormous attacking responsibility at Madrid. A difficult spell should not suddenly erase what he has already shown he can provide.
If Mourinho, the president and the dressing room are all united behind Vinicius, that support could be decisive.
It is high time the Bernabeu crowd also got behind their talisman and gave him the support he deserves.
The Brazilian will also have to become more consistent with his performances, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses this situation.
