Vinicius Jr Debuts Dramatic New Look Ahead of Real Madrid Pre-Season Under Jose Mourinho

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr is set to turn heads upon his return to Spain, sporting a drastically altered appearance following a cosmetic procedure. The 26-year-old Brazilian international underwent chin harmonisation surgery in his home country during the off-season, following Brazil’s unexpected round of 16 exit against Norway at the World Cup. The aesthetic treatment, which utilizes fillers to redefine and sculpt the lower facial contour, has left the forward looking remarkably different from the player who has dominated European football in recent years.

Images of his new look first surfaced on social media via the Instagram account of his on-off partner, Virginia Fonseca, during the launch of her new fitness facility. A subsequent video of the player greeting a supporter further highlighted the dramatic physical change.

The aesthetic update comes at a pivotal moment for the winger, who is preparing to report back for pre-season training under newly appointed Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese tactician, who previously guided the club to a record-breaking La Liga title during his initial tenure, faces the task of revitalizing a squad that has struggled to maintain its domestic and continental dominance.

Beyond tactical adjustments, the club must also address Vinicius Jr’s long-term future. With only 12 months remaining on his current contract, Real Madrid faces the risk of losing one of their most prized assets on a free transfer in 2027. Despite the ticking clock, the player remains relaxed about the situation, emphasizing his deep connection to the club.

Speaking to Caze TV earlier this year, Vinicius Jr expressed his desire to remain a one-club man, noting that he now holds a leadership role as one of the team captains. He reiterated his trust in the club’s hierarchy, stating that both he and the club president remain calm regarding negotiations.

The upcoming campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu represents a crucial rebuilding phase. The 2025/26 season was marred by inconsistency and internal friction, leading to the dismissal of head coach Xabi Alonso in January. Real Madrid ultimately finished the year without silverware, marking a rare two-year trophy drought for the Spanish giants.

Reflecting on the team’s recent shortcomings, Vinicius Jr admitted that the squad failed to maintain momentum after a strong start, allowing rivals Barcelona to capitalize. He also pointed to a significant leadership vacuum within the dressing room following the departures of veteran figures like Nacho, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modric, alongside a long-term injury to Dani Carvajal.

This lack of veteran guidance coincided with reported dressing room unrest, highlighted by a physical altercation between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni that resulted in Valverde being hospitalized. Vinicius Jr acknowledged that while he and Valverde possess experience on the pitch, they are still developing the locker-room leadership required to carry the weight of expectations at the world’s most demanding club.