Real Madrid News
Vinicius believes Real Madrid will win Champions League this season: ‘The 16th title will come’
Speaking to club official media, Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. has boldly predicted that his side will lift the Champions League trophy this season, insisting that the squad is ready to return to the top of European football.
The most successful team in the competition, Los Blancos have won the trophy a record 15 times. However, the past couple of campaigns have not been good enough, as they were eliminated in the quarter-finals on both occasions.
And, Vinicius acknowledged that Real Madrid have fallen short of expectations in the competition over the past two campaigns, but believes this season will be different.
“Hopefully the 16th will come. We’re ready for that. It’s our competition. We haven’t done well in it for the last two years. Our first objective is to finish among the top eight. We’re always excited about the Champions League,” he said.
“This season will be different from the last two Champions League campaigns and we’re going to win it,” Vinicius added.
Vini expects a demanding battle against Inter
Real Madrid begin their league-phase campaign tomorrow against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Vinicius knows they face a physically imposing opponent.
“Whenever the Champions League arrives, it feels different. We’re ready for this match against a great team that will demand a lot from us,” he said.
“Inter are a very physically strong team. They defend with five at the back and that’s something that usually causes us difficulties, but the manager has prepared us for it,” he added.
“We have some absentees, which makes things more difficult, but we’ll all go out there strongly and hopefully we can create that wonderful connection with the fans in these matches.”
Despite suffering a defeat in their last game against Real Betis, Vinicius insisted that Real Madrid have made a fine start to the season.
“We’re starting the season off brilliantly, despite our loss in the last game. We played well, created plenty of chances, and that’s the most important thing,” he noted.
“We need to stay focused on leading Real Madrid to the top, as we always want.”
The highlights of his UCL career
Vinicius also reflected on the two Champions League titles he has won with Real Madrid and the goals he scored in the finals against Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund.
The Brazilian considers both strikes among the defining moments of his career.
“They’re the two most important goals of my life. They’re something that will remain in history,” he said.
“Many players score goals, but very few score in finals. To do it at the biggest club in the world is something neither the fans nor I will ever forget,” the Brazilian winger added.
Talking about his journey in the Champions League, starting from his first-ever goal in the competition against Club Brugge back in 2019, he noted:
” It was a dream. I never imagined I’d score all these goals or play here for all these years.
“At 26 years old, to be one of the leaders of the world’s most important club means so much to me and my family.
“I came from a very poor background in Brazil to reach here, and I want to keep making history. I hope there’ll be more goals and Champions League titles for our fans.”
Even though Real Madrid have strengthened their defensive line significantly over the past two summers, they are still looking for more reinforcements.
Jose Mourinho was already pushing for another centre-back signing this past summer despite signing Ibrahima Konate. But Raul Asencio’s refusal to leave meant that there was no other addition made.
However, heading into 2027, Los Blancos intend to sign another centre-back, given that Antonio Rudiger’s contract expires at the end of the season and is unlikely to be renewed.
Moreover, Eder Militao’s continued fitness issues are also a cause of concern, prompting the Merengues to explore the possibility of bringing in another centre-half.
And, as already reported, Jarell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen has emerged as an option for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid regularly scouting Quansah
Building on that, journalist Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany reports that Real Madrid have been regularly scouting Quansah this season.
It goes to further underline that the Spanish capital side seem to hold a genuine interest in the 23-year-old England international, who can play both at centre-back and right-back.
Quansah has become a permanent fixture in the defensive line at Leverkusen since his move to the Bundesliga from Liverpool in 2025.
The young defender was also a part of the England national team that finished third at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and has nine caps for the Three Lions.
Stiff competition for Quansah
However, as per the report, Real Madrid are not the only club showing an interest in Quansah.
Indeed, Premier League champions Arsenal and fellow London club Chelsea are also closely monitoring the 23-year-old England international at Leverkusen.
Moreover, Quansah’s boyhood club, Liverpool, are also keeping a close eye on his development. After all, the Reds have a buyback clause worth €70 million for their academy product, which is valid until 15 June 2027.
A promising, young defender with plenty of potential and room for development, Quansah can be an exciting long-term addition for Real Madrid.
However, as per reports, some within the club hierarchy believe that the team could do with more experienced options to bolster the backline. So, it remains to be seen how things progress and whether the interest in Quansah develops into an offer.
