Vinícius Jr. wore the captain's armband for Real Madrid in the second half of a friendly against Ferencvaros on Saturday in Budapest, days after agreeing a contract renewal until 2032. Jose Mourinho's side won the match 2-1.
Academy product Mario Rivas scored in the 41st minute and Carlos Espi, signed from Levante on July 30, scored in the 49th minute for Real Madrid. Kenan Kodro, son of former Barcelona forward Meho Kodro, scored for the Hungarian side in the 57th minute.
New faces and absences
Real Madrid were without World Cup players Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, along with new champion Marc Cucurella and marquee signing Yan Diomande. Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva did feature, making his debut for the club in the second half.
Mourinho said Silva was a tremendous player who gave the team a strong outlet from the number six or eight position, and could also play well at number ten. He said a coach with a squad of only 20 players needed players like Silva who could perform in different positions.
Renewal and leadership
Espi, a surprise 21-year-old signing who joined on a five-year contract in a transfer reported by media to be worth around 30 million dollars, scored just four minutes after coming on for his debut.
Vinicius entered in the second half wearing the captain's armband, having renewed his contract on Thursday until 2032 after a negotiation that lasted 18 months, during which a move to Arsenal had appeared close. The 26-year-old Brazilian, at Real Madrid since 2018, showed he needs more minutes to recover his best form.
Mourinho said the most important thing for Vinicius was the renewal, and that it was a joy for everyone.
Real Madrid's first official match will be away to Espanyol on Saturday, August 22, in the opening round of La Liga.
