Mourinho’s comments have added to a difficult period for the 23-year-old defender, who has not featured in any of Real Madrid’s first three matches of the season and is also facing a separate legal case stemming from allegations dating back to 2023.
Asencio was found guilty of driving under the influence after reportedly recording a blood alcohol level of 0.90 milligrams per litre while driving in Spain’s Gran Canaria region. The country’s legal limit for drivers is 0.25 milligrams per litre.
The defender acknowledged the road-safety offence during a fast-track trial. In addition to the eight-month suspension of his driving licence, he was ordered to pay a €14,400 fine.
The driving case has intensified attention surrounding Asencio, who is also due to appear before a Criminal Court in connection with a separate investigation involving an alleged sexual video. Prosecutors have accused Asencio and three former Real Madrid academy teammates in relation to events alleged to have taken place in 2023.
The case reportedly concerns two young women, who were 16 and 18 at the time, and allegations that they were filmed without their consent. The accusations remain a matter for the courts, and Asencio has not been convicted in that separate case.
Against that backdrop, Mourinho has made it clear that he expects Real Madrid players to maintain high standards away from the training ground as well as on it.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga meeting with Real Betis, the Portuguese manager said he was unhappy with Asencio’s behaviour despite praising the defender’s commitment to training.
“I am not happy with Raúl Asencio.
“He is a great professional; no one trains like he does. But a Real Madrid player must always be a Real Madrid player, even off the field.
“Your actions outside hurt the image of the club. What I am saying is that I am not satisfied.”
Mourinho’s remarks underline the distinction he made between Asencio’s professional attitude during training and his conduct away from football.
The manager acknowledged that the defender works hard and maintains a high level of commitment on the pitch, but insisted that playing for one of the world’s most recognisable football clubs carries responsibilities beyond performances on match day.
For Mourinho, the issue extends beyond an individual disciplinary matter because of the potential impact a player’s actions can have on the reputation of Real Madrid.
Asencio’s absence from the squad for the club’s opening three matches of the campaign has further fuelled questions about his immediate future and standing within the team.
The defender will now have to deal with the consequences of the driving conviction while also preparing for the forthcoming court proceedings linked to the separate allegations.
For Real Madrid, the developments present an unwelcome distraction at the start of the season, with Mourinho’s public rebuke signalling that the club’s expectations regarding player conduct extend well beyond the football pitch.