Vinicius and a radical turn at Real Madrid

From the Clásico to the derby. From rupture to communion. From whistles to renewal. That has been the story of Vinicius’ last five months at Real Madrid. A swing of emotions. A mood that first declined and then caught fire. From the day he was substituted and his relationship with the Bernabéu began to crack, to the day he was again taken off and the Madrid crowd sent him off with a thunderous ovation. From Barcelona to Atlético, Vinicius’ season has taken a 180-degree turn. And Vini is once again the decisive player he used to be.

Rayo Vallecano, Real Sociedad, Benfica, City, Atlético – games shaped or settled by the Brazilian’s magic, talent and finishing. Just over a month and a half playing at a The Best level, at a Ballon d’Or level. Ten goals in 11 games. And a final week to frame, with braces against both City and Atlético. On the biggest stage possible, the Champions League, and in one of the most important games of the year for Madrid and its supporters. A fan base he feels part of. “I’m a very happy Madridista today because of the win, because of the goals, and because the fans can really enjoy it because it’s a derby and Madrid always wins.”

His connection with the stands has been restored. Repaired. Because there were moments of estrangement. It all traced back to the Clásico, when Xabi Alonso took him off in the 72nd minute and, as he stormed straight down the tunnel, cameras caught him saying the words that set off alarm bells. “I’m leaving the team!” he repeated. It was the seventh time Xabi had substituted him. That was compounded by three appearances off the bench. The Bernabéu was at first mostly forgiving after the slight toward his coach, but the whistles grew louder and louder and, once the storm broke, Vini became one of the main targets. That discord raised fears of a Vinicius exit just as his relationship with Madrid was entering a decisive phase: his contract expires in June 2027 and, although both sides had always been clear about wanting to renew it, there was the looming risk of a sale this coming summer or of him leaving for free.

The volume rose at the Bernabéu in a game that became a referendum after the coaching change. But that turn on the bench also helped Vinicius flip the situation. Arbeloa showed complete faith in the Brazilian from day one. “We’re lucky to have him because he’s one of the most unbalancing players in the world and loved by the fans. We all saw Sunday’s game and that’s the Vini we want: enjoying himself, dancing, playing and capable of deciding a Clásico and making the difference. That’s the only thing that concerns me and the only thing I want to see from him,” he said in his unusual unveiling. The new coach was referring to the Super Cup final, Vinicius’ swan song under Xabi. In that game, the Brazilian ended a three-month scoring drought. It did not end the debate, but it was the first step toward everything that followed.

Vinicius in form

He also scored against Monaco, and since the start of February he has barely stopped. Those 10 goals in 11 games. He has scored or assisted in all four Champions League knockout games. He was decisive against Benfica and a whirlwind at the Etihad. A radical change: the starting point was just seven goals in four and a half months of competition. A meager return for a player who had gone past the 20-goal mark in each of the previous four seasons. A threshold that two months ago seemed out of reach and now looks attainable.

He has 17 goals, at a rate of one every 201.5 minutes. That is almost the same pace as last season, when he scored every 198.7 minutes, but it has exploded across his last 11 appearances – he missed Madrid’s trip to Mestalla through suspension – with an average of one goal every 95.5 minutes. In the first half of the season, under Xabi, he needed 336.8 minutes to score. “When this stage of the season arrives, I don’t know what happens to me, but I always improve, I always score goals,” Vinicius said after his two goals in the derby. A brace with a dedication: “The president always tells me I have to score two goals, and I scored these two for him.”

After the game, the praise poured in. From his coach: “Another great game. Another display of talent, bravery, and having no fear. Of failing and trying again. We’re incredibly lucky to have him. For his commitment, his talent, his desire to carry the team. I don’t know if this is the best moment of his career, but it can’t be far off,” Arbeloa said. And from teammates such as Jude Bellingham. “Vini is an example of how to come back from a difficult moment,” the Englishman said.

But the greatest recognition came from his own supporters. A fan base that is enjoying the reborn Vini. That has forgotten the whistles and once again broken out its loudest applause. And what used to be a concern – his renewal with Madrid – has now once again become an urgent necessity. The best Vinicius is back.

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