Real Madrid
Vinicius Jr’s return is a problem for Real Madrid
Vinicius, who has only scored one goal in five games, returns to the Bernabéu after being whistled against Celta.
It’s like a set of communicating vessels: Ancelotti still hasn’t managed to synchronise the peak form of Vinicius and Mbappé. It’s as if they’re on a seesaw—when one rises, the other falls.
Currently, it seems Vinicius has lost his stride due to a recent suspension. Adding to that, he faced some boos after his performance in El Clásico, when the team played against Celta in the Copa del Rey.
Vinicius is set to return this Wednesday at the Bernabéu, this time in the Champions League against Salzburg (January 22, 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT.), eager to make a statement. With 14 goals and 10 assists this season, his performance hasn’t been bad at all.
In fact, if he maintains this pace over the 72 games Real Madrid could potentially play this season (if they reach the finals in all competitions), he would end the season with 31 goals, his highest tally yet for Real Madrid. Last season, he scored 24 goals, the season before (2022-23) he netted 23, and the season before that (2021-22) he scored 22.
Vini Jr’s current Real Madrid contract ends in 2027
The games he hasn’t played also highlight his importance to the team. He’s missed six games this season due to injury, rest, or suspension. Real Madrid won four of those matches, against Getafe, Sevilla, Girona, and Las Palmas, but lost two crucial ones: at Anfield against Liverpool, and at San Mamés against Athletic Bilbao.
The buzz around Vinicius, recently named The Best by FIFA and controversially second in the Ballon d’Or behind Rodri, intensified after Ancelotti substituted him in the match against Barça (a painful 5-2 defeat) with half an hour still to play and some hope of a comeback.
That substitution put the spotlight on the Brazilian, and the truth is, the Intercontinental Cup final, where he scored against Pachuca (and was named The Best), was a turning point for him. Since then, he’s only scored one goal in five matches (and was sent off against Valencia). In contrast, he had scored 13 goals in 9 matches before that final. Vinicius returns against Salzburg, eager to prove he’s still the same player.
There’s a backdrop to Vinicius’s situation. He needs to have a strong season because next summer, contract renewal talks will begin, with his current deal ending in 2027. He is currently, along with Mbappé, the highest-paid player on the team.
In 2022, he signed a contract worth $75 million net over five seasons. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues to knock on his door.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.