When Real Madrid signed Vini in 2018, ESPN journalist Dermot Corrigan labelled him as a ‘zippy, left-winger or a second striker’, an appellation that sums the abilities of the Brazilian to play anywhere in the attacking department.
Fast, agile, pacy, balanced, flair, (and yes, skillful), Vini is that young Brazilian whom Brazilian could look up to after the heydays of the last decade’s players which consisted of Neymar, Marcelo, Coutinho, and many others.
It was no surprise that Vini is who he is. He’s a Samba Boy, and Samba Boys are known for their joyous style of football. They not only play with passion but also win matches with fun.
Three years later, Vini would go on to be Real Madrid’s biggest player. Every of Real Madrid’s attacks came through him as he helped the Spanish team rise to the Champions League in 2022 and 2024, alongside a number of trophies.
With Vini. being at the pinnacle, it is safe to say that Ronaldinho does not need an apology after his comments. In particular, Vini has failed to replicate his heroics at Real Madrid abroad. He finds it difficult to raise the hopes of Brazilian fans, and his numbers are a stark contrast to what he is known for when he puts on the Real Madrid Jersey. Across all competitions, Vini. has scored 84 goals for the Los Blancos.
Vini has played for the senior team 35 times and has only found the back of the goal five times. In addition, Vini has assisted only five times. It is worth noting that this debut has come away since September 11, 2019.
In three tournaments that he has played for Brazil, Vini has only three goals and assisted two in 11 matches. Vini has played five matches out of eight for Brazil in their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers and has only provided one assist (vs Columbia), scoring none.
Brazil currently sits fifth with 10 points after eight matches. The loss against Paraguay was their fourth loss in five recent matches. Neymar Jr. is currently unfit to play and might not be sharp upon return. Brazilians have nowhere to turn but to Vini. Jr, who leads the attack park that has Raphinha, Rodrygo, Endricks, Jesus and Martinelli Gabriel, and Estavo.
Maybe these players need to put in more energy. Of course, they can never play at the level of the likes of Romario, Ronaldinho, Kaka, and the likes, but they can do better.
Vini.Jr can do better. His numbers are disturbing.
