Vinicius Jr. is widely hailed as one of the best players in the world. The jet-heeled left-winger is an excellent dribbler, helps out at the back, knows when to release the ball, and is a brilliant finisher. However, so far, his skills have only shone through at Real Madrid, not for his country, Brazil.
Vinicius Jr. Has Been a Force of Nature for Real Madrid
The most successful team in Europe, Real Madrid brought Vinicius Jr. to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2018. The Brazilian winger had impressed at Flamengo, emerging as the best player in the division. However, adjusting to new surroundings and thriving at the most demanding club in the world was a whole different ball game.
Understandably, Vinicius Jr. did not have the best debut season at Real Madrid. He created chances at will but his finishing left a lot to be desired. He finally started improving in front of goal in 2021, after Carlo Ancelotti returned to the club. He pushed Vinicius Jr. to ask more questions in the final third, and he has not looked back since. In the 2021-22 season, Vinicius Jr. scored 22 goals and provided 20 assists in 52 games, propelling Los Blancos to the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and the Supercopa de Espana.
In the 2023-24 season, Real Madrid once again won the three trophies, and Vini was at the heart of it all. The 24-year-old scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 matches throughout the season, emerging as the favorite for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Vinicius Jr. Has Struggled to Make an Impact for Brazil
It is safe to say that Vinicius Jr. has been steadily improving for Real Madrid with each passing season. However, he is still a long way from becoming a leader for his country, Brazil.
The ex-Flamengo star made his debut for Brazil on September 11, 2019, under former manager Tite. His next match came almost two years later, as Brazil faced Venezuela in the Copa America on June 13, 2021. Throughout the tournament, Vinicius Jr. just played 64 minutes, failing to score or assist.
By the time the 2022 FIFA World Cup came around, Vinicius Jr. had become an indisputable member of the first XI. However, his performances were still below par. He scored once and provided two assists in four matches as Brazil exited in the quarter-finals. The 2024 Copa America gave Vinicius Jr. the perfect opportunity to showcase his ability to lead, as Neymar was out injured. Vini, however, fell flat once more, scoring just twice in three games before the Selecao’s quarter-final exit.
Now, Brazil find themselves in an awkward position in the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, with them sitting in third place after amassing 17 points from 11 games. Argentina sits at the summit with 22 points. On Matchday 11, Venezuela held the five-time World Cup winners to a 1-1 draw, and, once again, Vinicius Jr. cut a frustrating figure, missing a penalty that could have won Brazil the game.
Since the Ballon d’Or has always celebrated international heroes, we believe Vinicius’ disappointing showings at the 2024 Copa America contributed to his loss to EURO 2024 winner Rodri. And unless he finds a way to perform in his country’s colors, we are afraid Ballon d’Or glory could continue to elude him.
