Real Madrid left plenty of questions after their Club World Cup debut, settling for a 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal. But beyond the result, the spotlight is firmly on Vinicius Jr., who seems further and further from the level that once placed him among the best in the world.

A free fall

Since missing out on the Ballon d’Or, Vini’s form has taken a serious dip. The Brazilian can’t seem to find his place on the pitch, his decisions have become erratic, and he looks disconnected from the rest of the team. Rival defenders have figured him out, and apart from a few flashes of brilliance, he’s been largely absent in the big games.

More doubts than answers

Vinicius’ stats don’t fully tell the story. Yes, he scored 21 goals and provided 18 assists last season with Madrid, but the feeling he leaves on the pitch is that of a player who’s lost his spark. When the team needs him most, he struggles to be that game-changer. This was clear once again against Al-Hilal, where he ended up being subbed off late in the game for Víctor Muñoz.

The challenge ahead for Vini

If he wants to fight for major honors again and lead Madrid, Vinicius will have to rediscover himself and bring back that explosive version that once lit up the pitch. The Club World Cup is just getting started, and maybe this is the wake-up call he needs to snap out of his slump and embrace his old motto: “I’ll try 10 times if I have to.” Because that’s exactly what Madrid fans are hoping to see from him again.