Vinicius Reveals What's Behind His Poor Form
The Real Madrid forward admitted he is still working to regain his confidence after the disappointment of Brazil's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and found some relief with his goal against Australia.
A penalty may seem like a minor detail in a 4-2 friendly victory, but for Vinicius Júnior, it meant much more. The forward found the net again for Brazil against Australia in Brisbane and admitted after the match that he needed a moment like this to begin rebuilding his confidence.
The Real Madrid attacker has not enjoyed his best start to the season and had also struggled to make an impact in front of goal for the national team. Carlo Ancelotti, however, continues to back him and has called for patience with a player he considers fundamental to the present and future of the Seleção.
After the match, Vinicius acknowledged that part of his difficult return is connected to what happened at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“The impact of the World Cup is always huge, and coming back is always a little difficult.”
Brazil was eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16, a premature exit that represented another major disappointment for a national team still looking to win another major title.
A Penalty to Regain Confidence
The clearest example of the support Vinicius has inside the dressing room came in the closing stages against Australia.
With Raphinha off the field due to muscular discomfort, Bruno Guimarães was one of the options to take the Seleção's second penalty. However, the midfielder handed the opportunity to Vinicius, knowing his teammate needed to find the net again.
“He knows that I need a little confidence,” the forward explained after the match. Vinicius converted from the penalty spot to make it 4-2 and end his scoring drought with the national team.
Ancelotti backed the decision after the match. The coach explained that Raphinha was the first-choice penalty taker and Bruno Guimarães was considered the second option, but understood that the moment could help Vinicius rediscover his confidence.
Brazil Is Also Looking to Rediscover Its Best Form
Vinicius' situation reflects, to some extent, what Brazil has experienced since the World Cup. The Seleção drew the first of its two friendlies against Australia and needed to respond before continuing its tour.
The second meeting was different. Brazil earned a 4-2 victory and secured its first win since its World Cup elimination, although Vinicius acknowledged that there are still areas that need improvement, particularly defensively and when it comes to creating chances.
For the forward, scoring again represents an important first step. After a difficult period both collectively and individually, regaining confidence in a Brazil shirt could also prove crucial in helping him rediscover his best form.
The Seleção will now continue its tour in India, while Vinicius will look to use this goal as a turning point and move beyond one of the most difficult periods of recent months, rediscovering the form that made him one of the leading figures for both Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team.
Vinicius Looks to Put His Poor Run Behind Him
- Vinicius Júnior admitted that Brazil's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup has continued to affect him since returning to competition.
- Bruno Guimarães handed him the penalty against Australia to help him regain confidence, and the forward responded by converting from the spot.
- Carlo Ancelotti continues to back the Real Madrid attacker as he works to rediscover his best form.
Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior
Brazil
