Former Barcelona defender Umtiti says Vinicius no longer frightens opponents

Samuel Umtiti says he feels “sorry” for Vinicius Junior and believes the Real Madrid forward has lost the confidence and threat that once made him capable of changing matches on his own.

The former Barcelona defender made the comments while analysing Real Madrid’s match against AEK Athens, in remarks carried by Spanish radio station Cadena SER. His assessment reflected the Brazilian’s disappointing start to the season with Real Madrid.

“I feel sorry for him… it makes me sad,” Umtiti said. “Vinicius has not been at his best for weeks, months, or even seasons. It is clear that he lacks the confidence he used to have on the left wing.”

The Frenchman, who faced Vinicius in four Clasicos during his time at Barcelona, said the winger’s decline was particularly evident when he had the ball.

“Previously, when he received the ball, you knew he would pose a threat. Now, he no longer has that,” Umtiti added.

Umtiti also argued that Vinicius was struggling to deliver in key moments, including with his final touch.

“This season, even with his finishing, he is finding it difficult to be the decisive player he once was,” he said.

“He loses the ball a lot and no longer frightens opponents.”

The former France international warned Real Madrid supporters that Vinicius was a long way from his best level, while other talented players competing for minutes were not receiving the same opportunities.

“What do we do with Vinicius?” Umtiti asked.

“When you put him on the left, that means you put Diomande on the right, where we know that Diomande does not perform well and struggles.”

Umtiti said Real Madrid faced a choice between establishing genuine competition for places and maintaining a hierarchy that guaranteed Vinicius continued to play on the left.

“Either we have a clear competition between the players and the best player plays, or there is a hierarchy that means Vinicius continues playing on the left for now,” he said.

“In the end, the results are what matter. Real Madrid are winning, but Vinicius is no longer at that level, either in La Liga or in the Champions League. I feel very sorry for Vinicius.”

The former Barcelona player linked the forward’s downturn to his disappointment at failing to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, describing that as a turning point in his career.

“Over the past three seasons, since he did not win the Ballon d’Or, his level has been affected,” Umtiti said.

“We are finding it difficult to get back the energetic, skilful Vinicius who used to dribble on the left wing.”

The accompanying fixture information listed Valencia in La Liga on 07 November 2026. It also listed Real Madrid against AEK Athens in the Greek Super League on 08 November 2026, with Levadiakos included in the same fixture listing.