Invisible during the last Copa América, Vinicius Junior is worried in Brazil. The Real Madrid superstar shines at the club, but fails to shine with the Seleção. At 24, the Auriverde international (35 caps) has only scored and delivered 5 goals and 5 assists in the jersey of his country. A problem that raises questions and makes people cringe in Brazil. In his last 13 appearances with the legendary yellow tunic, he has only scored twice, against Paraguay last June during the group stage of the Copa América. Called up for selection since 2019, Vini Jr will have only scored five small goals in five years, an incredible statistic for the man who could have won the Ballon d'Or this season.
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His poor performances with the Seleção and the total rout of Brazil, eliminated by Uruguay on penalties (0-0, 4-2 tab) in the quarter-final of the last Copa América, also had a major role in his defeat in favor of Rodri, in the quest for the precious sesame. In addition to the poor personal performances of the double winner of the Champions League, the Brazilian selection is itself, more or less, in an identity crisis. Without a real leader and in difficulty in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Brazil is only fourth out of the group of ten nations involved. With their two victories during the last gathering in October, the men of Dorival Junior were however able to redress the situation somewhat. A positive break for the Seleção which was made, without Vinicius Junior, absent due to an injury contracted with Casa Blanca. Enough to revive even more the debates about the place of the Brazilian with his selection.
Doctor Vinicius and Mister Junior
Observers of Brazilian football are exasperated to see the difference in level displayed by the former Flamenguista, between his performances in club and those in selection. “Best player in the world”, “candidate for the Ballon d’Or”, “Brazilian superstar”, at Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior is an icon. With Brazil, he is still the player with room for improvement who frustrated during his debut in the Merengue jersey. Rarely decisive, often discreet, the winger seems crushed by the pressure of the jersey with the five stars embroidered on the chest when he is in the selection. “He can’t play just for his name, no. It's time to give a little more. It’s time to get moving”denounced a Brazilian journalist after the match against Paraguay during the last Copa. With the decline of Neymar Jr, the number 7 of Real Madrid had to take up the torch by establishing himself as the key element of this team. Injured for more than a year, the former Blaugrana left the place for a time, but the observation is now the following: Vinicius Jr is not even the best Madrilenian to play for the Brazilian selection.
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His teammate Rodrygo, who has also recovered the legendary number 10 since Neymar's injury (Raphinha took advantage of Rodrygo's absence to wear number 10 during this international window, editor's note), accumulates better statistics (31 caps, 7 goals) and shows a better face almost every time they enter the field together with the auriverde tunic. Asked about Vinicius' lack of productivity with the national team, Dorival Junior decided to come to his defense. “First of all, how do you expect an athlete to produce the same thing all the time as at club? There are cycles within the clubs themselves. Moments when Rodrygo is at the top, for two months, then it's up to Vini to shine. We must not forget it”Dorival Junior declared at a press conference, still half-heartedly recognizing Rodrygo's takeover.
Taking the reins ahead of the 2026 World Cup
With less than two years until the first World Cup on the American continent, since the one held in Brazil in 2014, expectations have changed. Patience has given way to urgency, while the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player is only a shadow of himself, the Seleção must find a new leader. “Today he has become an idol and a hero for us. I am very happy and proud that he wears the colors of Brazil around the world.”Neymar had also declared about his compatriot. However, when asked who would be Brazil's key player, his answer was quite different. “Brazil’s key player? For me it's Rodrygo, because everyone knows how Vini is going to play, but Rodrygo, I think, is very different. He's a star and number 10 will definitely bring him a lot of luck.”.
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An innocuous statement which symbolizes the failure of 'Vini Jr' to be the flagship player of this Brazilian selection, at least for the moment. Injured in the neck during the last rally, the Real Madrid striker will return to the Seleção this Thursday, November 14 against Venezuela during the Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. A competition that the native of São Gonçalo surely has in mind. line of sight and which could be a key to winning this Ballon d'Or, which so narrowly escaped him. Author of an excellent start to the season, the Merengue promised: “I will do 10 times more if necessary. They're not ready.”after learning that he would not win the reward. Winning the next World Cup with the Seleçao, by being the best player on the pitch, is undoubtedly one of the new priorities for the player born and trained in Brazil. A nation waiting for the team that will finally bring back a sixth star to the land of King Pelé, who has been waiting for him for more than 22 years.
Pub. the 14/11/2024 14:15
– UPDATE 14/11/2024 23:51
