In the world of football, few players have risen as meteorically in recent years as Vinícius Júnior. The young Brazilian forward has become a global superstar and a linchpin of Real Madrid’s attack, leading the club to multiple major trophies. However, curiously, Vinícius has struggled to replicate that same level of success when representing his home country of Brazil. This dichotomy has puzzled fans and pundits alike.
The Real Madrid Revelation
Since joining Real Madrid as a raw 18-year-old in 2018, Vinícius has undergone a remarkable transformation. Under the tutelage of coaches like Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti, he has honed his explosive pace, dribbling skills, and finishing ability. The 2021-22 season was a true breakthrough, as Vinícius scored 24 goals across all competitions, including the winner in the Champions League final against Liverpool.
Ancelotti, in particular, has been a key figure in Vinícius’ development. The Italian manager’s advice to play closer to goal and take fewer touches has paid off handsomely. In the 2022-23 season, Vinícius formed a lethal partnership with Karim Benzema, propelling Real Madrid to another LaLiga and Champions League double.
Such has been Vinícius’ impact that he was a leading contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Although he ultimately finished second to Manchester City’s Rodri, many Real Madrid fans and figures within the club felt that Vinícius was more deserving of the prestigious individual award.
Struggling to Shine for the Seleção
In stark contrast to his club exploits, Vinícius has often cut a frustrated figure when wearing the famous yellow jersey of Brazil. In 35 appearances for the Seleção, he has managed just five goals. Even at last year’s Copa América, where Brazil reached the final, Vinícius was largely ineffective and drew criticism from fans and media.
According to those close to the Brazilian national team setup, Vinícius initially struggled to adapt to the system and his role within it. Former coach Tite viewed him as more of a tactical “bolt-on” rather than a focal point of the attack. It wasn’t until the 2022 World Cup in Qatar that Vinícius began to show flashes of his Real Madrid form, setting up several key goals as Brazil reached the quarterfinals.
Vinícius is primarily a winger. As a general rule, the game cannot be won down the flanks without first winning the midfield battle. Without intelligent passing to take opponents out of the game, a player like Vinícius has a tough task.
Tim Vickery, South American football expert
Midfield Deficiencies and the Search for Solutions
Many analysts point to the lack of a creative, controlling presence in Brazil’s midfield as a key reason for Vinícius’ international struggles. Whereas at Real Madrid he benefits from the vision and passing range of players like Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, Brazil have lacked that sort of midfield maestro in recent years.
Current coach Dorival Júnior is hoping that time and patience will help unlock Vinícius’ potential for Brazil. The emergence of a true center-forward in the form of Pedro has also given cause for optimism, with many excited by the prospect of a blossoming partnership between the two.
If Brazil are to make good on Dorival Júnior’s bold prediction of reaching the 2026 World Cup final, they will surely need Vinícius firing on all cylinders. The talent is undoubtedly there – it’s now a question of harnessing it within the national team setup and replicating the magic he so regularly conjures in the white of Real Madrid.
A Tale of Two Vinís
The curious case of Vinícius Júnior – a bonafide superstar for his club but a work in progress for his country – underscores the complex alchemy of international football. It’s a reminder that what works seamlessly in one context may not automatically translate to another, even for the most prodigiously gifted players.
Yet if Vinícius’ meteoric rise at Real Madrid has taught us anything, it’s that he is a player capable of rapid growth and adaptation. With the right system, personnel, and a dash of patience, there’s every reason to believe he can become the talisman Brazil crave. Time is on his side, and the football world will be watching with bated breath.
