Vinicius Jr.’s form has taken a dramatic downturn since the Ballon d’Or ceremony last October, leaving Real Madrid increasingly concerned as the Brazilian struggles to recapture the electric performances that once placed him among football’s elite.
After being touted as a serious contender for the prestigious award, the 23-year-old endured a bitter disappointment when Manchester City midfielder Rodri claimed the title.
Vinicius, visibly disillusioned, chose to boycott the ceremony in Paris alongside several Real Madrid teammates, citing a deep sense of injustice.
His frustration was public, his determination to come back stronger even more so. But rather than fuel a resurgence, the moment seems to have marked the beginning of a troubling decline.
In the months following that Ballon d’Or snub, Vinicius’s impact on the pitch has waned significantly. Once a relentless force on the left wing, combining speed, flair, and end product, he now appears to be a shadow of the player who dazzled crowds throughout the previous season.
Since the start of the calendar year, the numbers tell a concerning story. In 23 appearances, he has managed only six goals and four assists—figures far below expectations for a player once tipped as the future face of Real Madrid.
His once-critical presence in the final third has been noticeably diminished, and his influence on big matches is increasingly minimal.
This trend was starkly evident during Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
In a performance that left fans and analysts bewildered, Vinicius touched the ball just 38 times, lost possession 18 times, and failed to register a single shot on target, a key pass, or even one completed dribble.
It was a night that summed up his current struggles—lacking inspiration, missing confidence, and absent from the moments that count.
Inside the Santiago Bernabéu, patience is wearing thin. Known for its adoration of homegrown brilliance and world-class flair, the Madrid faithful are growing restless.
Vinicius, once regarded as untouchable, is now facing murmurs of doubt from the same stands that once cheered his every move.
The pressure is only intensifying as the season enters its critical phase. With the Champions League second leg fast approaching, the spotlight will again be fixed on the Brazilian forward.
His response could be defining—not just for Real Madrid’s European ambitions but for his own trajectory in the game.
For a player who has thrived under pressure in the past, this week presents an opportunity to reclaim the narrative.
His partnership with Kylian Mbappé, once imagined as the most fearsome duo in world football, now feels like a distant dream rather than an imminent reality.
Whether this dip is a temporary setback or a sign of deeper issues remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Real Madrid, a club built on legends who deliver when it matters most, expects more.
The question now is whether Vinicius can rise to meet that expectation—or be left wondering what might have been.
