Vinicius Junior’s latest Brazil training error puts spotlight on Real Madrid forward

Vinicius Junior has become the subject of fresh criticism after a wayward shot during Brazil training flew over the crossbar and landed in a car park beside the ground.

The incident, which some viewers found amusing, has added to growing concern about the sudden decline in the Real Madrid forward’s form. His performances are reportedly causing increasing anxiety around Santiago Bernabeu.

Videos of Vinicius have been widely shared in recent days while he has been with Brazil. Some clips from matches appeared to show him struggling to beat opponents with his dribbling and offering less attacking threat, while other training footage showed him missing straightforward chances in front of goal.

The latest episode has attracted particular attention. During a Brazil training session, Vinicius received the ball near the edge of the penalty area before striking powerfully over the bar. The effort travelled so far that it came down in the car park next to the training pitch.

A scream could be heard from someone in the area, who is believed to have been the person hit by the ball.

Individual work under Ancelotti

The forward’s dip in form has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, along with Jose Mourinho, acknowledges that Vinicius is not currently at his best technically or mentally, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

Ancelotti has therefore placed the player on a special individual training programme designed to improve his finishing and his work in front of goal.

The car-park incident took place during one of those personalised sessions, increasing the pressure on Vinicius as he works to recover his confidence and sharpness.

Record deal brings added pressure

The latest criticism comes after one of the most significant decisions made by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez: extending Vinicius Junior’s contract until 2032.

Under the historic and lucrative agreement, the Brazil international earns about 24m euros a year. That makes him the second-highest-paid player in the Real Madrid squad, behind French forward Kylian Mbappe.

Since signing the deal, however, the situation has changed dramatically. Vinicius was previously regarded as a player capable of frightening European defences with his pace and skill.

He is now facing intense pressure from supporters and the media, with his sudden downturn in performance placing him under greater scrutiny than ever before.