Vinicius has been one of the main targets, not only for Real Madrid’s elimination against Arsenal, but also for the season that Ancelotti‘s team has had. The player is the first to admit that he has not lived up to expectations. The Ballon d’Or, the “irresistible” offer from Saudi Arabia, his off-field conflicts with rivals and opposing fans, and some surprising statements have prevented him from focusing on the pitch. That is why the player has already informed his inner circle of his decision about his future.
Vinicius and his slump during the season
Vinicius started the season in fine form, playing the kind of football we had become accustomed to seeing him play in previous seasons. But everything started to go wrong in November. First, an injury kept him off the pitch for a month. In the midst of his injury, he saw himself finish second in the Ballon d’Or voting, which hurt him but at the same time gave him wings, seeing how surprised the football world was, just like him.
After these episodes, he returned to the pitch, but his game was no longer the same. Then came the offer from Saudi Arabia: $1 billion for five seasons. The footballer does not seem to be tempted by the offer from a sporting point of view, but obviously he is tempted by the financial aspect. The Brazilian continued to dominate the headlines, and not for sporting reasons. He used the offer to ask Real Madrid for a contract renewal and to be the highest paid player in the squad, something that the club is not going to give him, but which has been postponed until the end of the season. Meanwhile, he continued to clash with rivals and opposing fans, and made statements calling for the 2030 World Cup not to be held in Spain, with the Bernabéu as the top candidate to host the final.
And on the field, his performance not only failed to improve, it worsened, with no commitment to defensive work. His impact has diminished, his goals have dried up, to the point where he has exhausted the patience of fans who are no longer willing to forgive him, and they have made their discontent known with boos.
Vinicius’ reaction
The Brazilian footballer took the decision a few weeks ago to focus solely on his sporting career. He has stopped making statements and it is true that, in recent games, he has not been involved in any incidents with opponents or fans. On the sporting front, he has not stopped giving his all and trying, although he has not managed to get close to his best form. Collectively, he still has shortcomings. Against Arsenal, he tried harder, which was all that was needed, but he is still being asked to step up.
Vinicius’ future
Vinicius knows better than anyone that his performance has not been what was expected. He knows that he must be one of Real Madrid’s leaders and that he has not been up to the task this season. The elimination from the Champions League was a hard blow for a player who feels responsible for not being able to help the team, especially in attack. All of this has led him to decide, before the end of the season, that he wants to stay at Real Madrid next season and that he will not accept the offer from Saudi Arabia. It is unknown whether or not the situation regarding his contract will be addressed and whether there will be a pay rise, but he is not in a position to demand anything, and he knows it.
Those closest to Vinicius believe that this season could be a turning point for him to achieve the mental maturity required of a star of his stature. The setbacks suffered this season could be just what the player needs to start focusing on what is important and learn to behave as the elite of soccer should.