Reinier Jesus opens up on Real Madrid regrets and refuses to rule out return: ‘It wasn’t what I expected’

Reinier Jesus opens up on Real Madrid regrets and refuses to rule out return: ‘It wasn’t what I expected’ Reinier Jesus has admitted that his Real Madrid experience fell short of expectations, while refusing to rule out a return to Spanish football in the future. The Brazilian attacking midfielder joined Madrid in 2020 for approximately €30 million, arriving with hopes of establishing himself among the club’s next generation of stars.  However, he never made his senior debut for Los Blancos and instead spent time on loan at Borussia Dortmund, Girona, Frosinone and Granada before joining Atlético Mineiro on a free transfer in 2025. Now rebuilding his career in Brazil, Reinier has reflected on the lessons he took from his difficult spell in Spain.  In an interview with AS , he also discussed his relationships with several Madrid managers, the support he received at the club and his admiration for Vinicius Jr. “It wasn’t at all what I’d expected, but I think I’ve matured a great deal in every respect,” he began saying when asked about his Real Madrid experience. Reinier explains what went wrong at Real Madrid Despite the disappointment of never playing a full season with Madrid’s first team, Reinier insisted that he does not look back on his time at the club with significant regrets. “No, no. Nothing too significant, just the fact that I didn’t get the chance to play a full season with the first team.  “That was a decisive factor in how my time in Spain unfolded.” Reinier Jesus does not regret moving to Real Madrid early in his career. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images) The lack of a sustained opportunity at senior level ultimately influenced his experience in Spain.  Multiple loan spells offered the midfielder opportunities to develop, but he was unable to establish himself in Madrid’s first-team plans before his departure. Reinier nevertheless remembers the people who helped him during that period, particularly Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti. “I’m a lucky guy to have shared a dressing room with such great legends. They’re all people who treated me well and helped me when I needed it.” When asked who supported him most during the difficult moments, the Brazilian singled out Raul, who worked with him during his time in Madrid’s development structure. “I was in closer contact with Raul. He taught me a great deal. Zidane seemed to like my style, but unfortunately I was on loan at Dortmund whilst he was at Real Madrid. “As for Ancelotti, we had little contact, but he was always very respectful. I would have liked to work with him, but I didn’t get the chance. “As for the players, the Brazilians were the ones I was closest to, which is to be expected, but my relationship with everyone was fantastic.  “I have so many wonderful memories of Valdebebas,” he explained Reinier refuses to rule out Real Madrid or La Liga return Reinier Jesus never made it to Real Madrid’s first-team. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Although his Real Madrid chapter did not unfold as planned, Reinier remains open to the possibility of returning to European football.  However, he made clear that his immediate priority is repaying Atlético Mineiro for the confidence the Brazilian club has shown in him. “Why not? Who wouldn’t want to? But now isn’t the right time, and I’m 100% focused on Atlético Mineiro, who have put their trust in me and my football, and have gone to great lengths to sign me.  “I’ll do everything I can to repay that trust and affection.” Reinier backs Vinicius amid difficult spell Reinier also spoke about Vinicius, with whom he shares a personal friendship.  Asked about the Real Madrid forward’s apparent struggles, the midfielder offered his support and reaffirmed his belief in the Brazilian’s ability. “Vini is a personal friend of mine, someone I care about deeply.  “Just like Raphinha, he’s one of the best players in the world and has been proving that for years at Real Madrid,” he concluded.