A crisis that can no longer be hidden

In the Club World Cup semifinal against PSG, Vinicius Junior was unrecognizable. Disconnected, flat, apathetic. A couple of dribbles, endless complaints, and not a spark of brilliance. His body language set off alarm bells—and Xabi Alonso noticed: he subbed him off without hesitation. But for those closely following the Brazilian, this wasn’t a shock. His form has been a growing concern for months, both inside and outside the dressing room.

The day everything changed

October 28, 2024 marked a turning point in Vini’s season. Just days before, word from France confirmed he would not win the Ballon d’Or. Upset, he and the Real Madrid delegation skipped the gala altogether. Since then, his performances have dipped dramatically. That joy and intensity that once made him unstoppable? Gone. What remains is a player trapped in a cycle of frustration and poorly managed pressure.

The numbers don’t lie

So far this season, Vinicius has played 43 matches with the following stats:

• Champions League: 9 apps, 5 goals, 3 assists
• FIFA International Cup: 1 app, 1 goal, 1 assist
• Club World Cup: 6 apps, 1 goal, 1 assist
• La Liga: 19 apps, 6 goals, 3 assists
• Copa del Rey: 6 apps, 1 goal, 2 assists
• Spanish Super Cup: 2 apps, 0 goals, 1 assist
• Total: 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 matches. Decent numbers for most… but far from enough for someone who was supposed to be the best in the world.

Can he turn it around?

No one questions the raw talent in Vinicius Junior’s boots. But to get back to the player who nearly won the Ballon d’Or, he must shake off the mental fog, stop fighting everyone, and find his rhythm again. Real Madrid needs the electric, decisive Vini—not the one constantly diving or arguing with referees. The clock is ticking… and Los Blancos don’t wait for anyone.