Vinicius Jr’s Brazil performances are cause for concern

Despite a good game against Venezuela, he missed a penalty for Brazil, which contributed to his poor form.

Vinícius at Brazil is not the same as at Real Madrid: even when he plays brilliantly, he struggles to be decisive. In the recent match against Venezuela he was Brazil's standout player. He deserved a penalty and had the courage to step up and take it. However, when he struck the ball, the ghosts returned and the winger missed from the spot.

The Real Madrid star approached the first match of the November break with an iron fist, seeking redemption after outrage in his homeland over a Ballon d'Or 'snub' that saw Spaniard Rodri tap him on the post. He pressed relentlessly, creating chances and destroying the opposition's defence. Despite Aramburu's remarkable performances, Vinícius delivered one of his best performances with the Canarinha.

Vini isn't even Brazil's second best winger

He completed fourteen successful dribbles against Venezuela, his highest mark with the national team and the second best of his career – surpassed only by a match against Osasuna in the 2022/23 season. Yet, despite his efforts, he could not seal the victory. The missed penalty proved costly in Brazil's 1-1 draw.

Vinicius Jr.'s terrible record for Brazil was improved by a fallen teammate

The miss highlighted something relevant: Brazil needed him, especially in Neymar's absence, but time and time again Vinícius has failed to take advantage of the opportunity. He was one of the players most criticized after Brazil fell to a quarter-final in the Copa America. And it gets worse, as his national team statistics are disappointing to say the least: five goals and five assists in 36 games. Even Endrick, a much younger teammate, has surpassed him in the South American qualifiers with three goals to Vinicius' two.

Meanwhile, Raphinha has had much more impact, with ten goals and six assists. In the last match, Raphinha surpassed Vinícius in important areas such as shots, successful passes and dribbling. Although less involved overall, the Barcelona winger was more decisive, scoring a free-kick to secure the point for Dorival Junior's side.

After his missed penalty in the 62nd minute, the well-known frustrations surfaced. Arguments, conflicts with opponents and protests to the referee disrupted his focus. Venezuela's defenders successfully neutralized him, keeping him out of harm's way for the rest of the match. Brazilian fans would like him to shake off this slump. With Neymar's return date uncertain, the team needs Vinicius to step up.

The contrast between his club and national team performances is stark. At Real Madrid, Vinícius scored 30 goals in 48 appearances in 2024, by far the team's top scorer. However, he has only scored two goals in eleven games with Brazil this year, leaving him behind teammates such as Rodrygo and Endrick, who have three goals each. Brazil need a leader on the pitch, and as the most talented player in the squad, the responsibility obviously falls to him.

At just 24 years old, expectations were perhaps unfairly high throughout his career. Yet the reality is clear: Brazil needs the Real Madrid version of Vinícius. He must free himself from this 'curse' and deliver for the Seleção.