Marcel Desailly urges Real Madrid to sell Vinicius Junior amid struggles with Mbappe

According to a report by Madrid Universal on Thursday October 15, 2026, former France international Marcel Desailly has urged Real Madrid to consider selling Vinicius Junior, arguing that the Brazilian forward’s departure could benefit both the player and the Spanish giants.

Vinicius recently signed a new long-term contract with Madrid, but his performances have reportedly dipped, raising questions about his role in Jose Mourinho’s plans. His recent red card against Villarreal, which has resulted in a four-match La Liga suspension according to reports, has also increased the pressure surrounding the 26-year-old.

Speaking on beIN Sports, Desailly questioned whether Madrid should continue building their attack around both Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe, insisting that their partnership has yet to work as expected.

“I think Real Madrid should have let Vinicius leave. They need to look for other players,” Desailly said.

He added that allowing the Brazilian to move elsewhere could help him escape the criticism he has faced while giving Madrid an opportunity to explore alternative attacking options.

However, selling Vinicius would be a major decision for the club. The forward remains one of the most dangerous dribblers in world football and has scored in two Champions League finals, playing a crucial role in Madrid’s European successes.

The main concern is that both Vinicius and Mbappe prefer operating from the left, making it difficult to maximise their strengths within the same attacking system. Mourinho must find a way to balance their movements and ensure they complement rather than restrict each other.

Madrid’s midfield problems have also contributed to their inconsistent performances, meaning Vinicius should not necessarily be held responsible for the team’s wider struggles.

Although Desailly believes it would be better for the Brazilian to leave, Madrid must decide whether a transfer is genuinely necessary or whether tactical adjustments could restore the effectiveness of their attacking partnership.

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