Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares has issued a sharp message to Vinicius Junior, urging the forward to elevate his performances if he is to be considered a true footballing star.
Vinicius, who has Cameroonian roots through his maternal lineage, is coming off a mixed season for Real Madrid despite helping the club to major silverware.
Cañizares believes the Brazilian’s form dipped notably after the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he was widely tipped for honours but walked away without an award.
“Vinicius can’t afford a season like last season, that’s obvious. He can’t afford it as an individual, nor can Real Madrid,” Cañizares told Radio Marca.
“He came into the season thinking about the Ballon d’Or gala, which he had high hopes for, and not winning it has affected him emotionally. Real Madrid didn’t do well not going to the gala.”
Cañizares also questioned the delay in finalising Vinicius’s contract renewal, describing it as unsettling for both player and club.
“What I can’t understand is that a renewal agreement is reached in April and not signed a week or two later,” he said.
On Vinicius’s fit with new teammate Kylian Mbappé, he downplayed rumours of incompatibility but issued a warning: “Vinicius can’t repeat last year’s level, because he’ll become a residual player.”
He concluded with a challenge: “You may look like a star and have the talent, but to be one, you have to prove it.”