Brazil Searches for a Leader… and Vinicius Isn’t Convincing

Across Brazil, the message is clear: until Neymar regains a competitive level —not even his prime, just reliability— the Seleção desperately needs a new leader. But the role many assumed would naturally fall to Vinicius Junior simply hasn’t materialized.

The numbers say it all: 8 goals in 43 appearances is far from what Brazil expects from the face of Real Madrid. His performances in major tournaments have not helped. In two Copa América editions and at the 2022 World Cup, Vini struggled with consistency, leaving more questions than answers.

Meanwhile, Brazil continues to hope Neymar —now back at Santos— can recover enough form to lead once more. Until then, the search continues.

Raphinha Steps Up… but Needs a Partner

In this transition, one player has emerged as the emotional and competitive compass of the team: Raphinha.
The Barcelona winger, currently sidelined by injury, is widely viewed as the team’s reference point —the one who brings intensity, leadership, and personality. If Neymar cannot reach his best version, he is the one expected to carry the Seleção.

But even a leader needs a complement. Brazil needs someone to provide the spark, the flair, the improvisation that Ney used to bring. Many expected Vinicius to fill that void, but so far, the national team hasn’t seen the dominant, unstoppable version he shows at Real Madrid.
Local analysts describe his off-ball work as “not intense enough,” and his overall impact as disappointing.

The Estevão Phenomenon Changes Everything

While Vinicius struggles to convince, a new star is forcing his way into the conversation: Estevão Willian, Chelsea’s new wonderkid.
At just 18 years old, he already has 4 goals in 10 international appearances, a scoring rhythm that—if sustained—would double Vinicius’ output.

His recent performance against Senegal lit up the Brazilian media: a decisive goal, fearlessness, confidence, leadership far beyond his age.
Brazil’s top outlets were unanimous:

• “The best player on the pitch.”
• “Plays without fear.”
• “Demands the ball and takes responsibility.”

Some analysts already see him as a potential long-term leader of the Seleção.

Should Brazil Trust Estevão… or Keep Waiting for Vinicius?

That is now the major question circulating across Brazil.
Vinicius remains a generational talent, but not yet a generational leader. Even Carlo Ancelotti admitted Vini still hasn’t shown his best version for Brazil and needs more support to flourish.

Meanwhile, Estevão is turning pressure into opportunity, changing opinions match by match.

Is it too early to hand him the keys?
Or is it time to move past hierarchy and reward the player who is actually delivering?

Brazil still has time —but not much. The 2026 World Cup is approaching fast, and the debate is already in the air:

Who will become the true leader of the Seleção?