Vinicius Jr. heads into the international break in outstanding form, once again shining for Real Madrid with the World Cup on the horizon. As one of the biggest faces of his national team and with more games under his belt at the international level, the Brazilian has become a leader for the Seleção despite being only 25. He spoke to the media ahead of Brazil’s friendly against France in Boston. “The young players always ask a lot of questions when they arrive. When I got here, they gave me a lot of freedom to do my best on the field. I try to pass that sense of calm on to them. They need to enjoy the moment,” he said.

Away from the noise, Vinicius is focused on giving his all to stay at his best and deliver the highest level possible for club and country. “I don’t pay much attention to what people say. I know my job and I’m very committed to the World Cup. It’s where every player wants to be. As for my form, I always try to be at my best,” he said.

The Real Madrid winger did not shy away from discussing Brazil’s level, or the fact that Neymar is not part of the squad. “In recent seasons I’ve been one of the best, Raphinha too … and Casemiro, we shouldn’t even start on him. He has so much experience. The pressure on Ney is normal. I’m biased, Ney is one of my idols. He’s doing everything possible to be at 100% and return to the national team,” he said.

According to the forward, the friendly against France will be very important for Brazil as it builds toward the World Cup. It will also be another test for Carlo Ancelotti on the Brazil bench. “They’re a great team … no one will want to just sit back and defend. It will be a good test for us,” he said.

Vinicius also played down Brazil’s status heading into next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. “I don’t think we’re favorites based on the results we’ve had. But the weight of the jersey, the quality of the players we have here … we just needed to settle in, and since Ancelotti arrived we have a better idea of how to play. That takes a lot of pressure off us,” he said.

Being one of the biggest stars in his country has also brought responsibility, but Vinicius did not hesitate when asked whether he could be one of the leading figures at the tournament. “I imagine everyone wants me to be one of the protagonists. I’m ready for every challenge in my career. I’ve already played in one World Cup, and I don’t want to lose again. I’ve been working hard at home. I don’t want to get injured,” he said.

The Brazilian also reflected on the path he has taken to reach the top of the game while representing his country. He added that Ancelotti gives the team flexibility in the way it plays. “He asks us what position we want to play in, how we prefer to defend, but the decision is his,” Vinicius said. Asked about Antoine Griezmann’s move to Orlando City and whether he could see himself playing in North America in the future, Vinicius kept the focus squarely on Madrid. “I think he’ll bring a lot to MLS, Griezmann … as for coming here, I’m not thinking about that. I’m thinking about Real Madrid and staying there for a long time,” he concluded.

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