Vinicius Jr. has had a season marked by a lot of noise and little play. The Brazilian footballer started the season after a memorable season in which he was, for many, the best footballer in the world. However, this year he has been well below the expected level and has been in the spotlight more for unsportsmanlike conduct. He still has one more chance this season.
Vinicius’ slump
Vinicius was key to Real Madrid in last season’s double, especially in the big games, where he showed his best form since turning professional. Proof of this was the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, where he contributed with goals to help the team win their 15th title.
The 24-year-old Brazilian (he will be 25 in July) still has a lot of room for improvement given his young age, and Real Madrid will hope that his performance and progress will be even better. That was the expectation going into this season, with the Brazilian predicted to dominate. But nothing could be further from the truth: Vinicius’ season has been well below expectations, with poor performances in matches, little involvement, and little teamwork.
A season marked off the field
The season began with a sense of unease: the arrival of Mbappé put his leadership in check, and from the outset it was clear that things were not going as expected. The truth is that the relationship between the two players appears to be good, but the understanding on the pitch has not flowed (and continues to be an issue). It seemed that there was a need to prove that he had earned his place as the team’s star player. But things weren’t going his way on the pitch.
However, the news about Vinicius was increasing with issues that had nothing to do with his performance: first it was the Ballon d’Or, then his constant clashes with referees, opponents, and rival fans, and then came the injury just before the new year. But everything became even bigger with the offer received from Saudi Arabia and his statements to a Brazilian media outlet in which he said that the 2030 World Cup should not be held in Spain, when the final will almost certainly be played at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Although Real Madrid fans overlooked this kind of thing, his lack of performance eventually caused everything to explode, and a certain sector of the Bernabéu and the fanbase began to question him. It was no longer just that things weren’t going his way; the fans were demanding more work and commitment to the team.
Vinicius’ reaction
The player seems to have taken a different path since then. It is true that things have not gone well for him, but his attitude on the pitch is more in line with what his fans demand of him. The player is still looking for a way to reach his best level. He hasn’t found it yet, but he has the chance to salvage the season. Sunday’s match against Barcelona could decide the season in the event of a defeat or a draw, but it could turn things around if the Whites manage to win. To achieve this, the team needs the best from everyone, and it needs the best from Vinicius to bring home a victory that could give Real Madrid a boost.
Vinicius has had a difficult season and has experienced one of the most bitter moments in Real Madrid’s history. His performance has not been what was expected, nor has his attitude, but he still has a chance to send a message to the Madridistas and hopes to do so next Sunday against Barcelona.