Vinicius Jr. Is increasingly asserting himself as a pivotal figure for Brazil as they approach the 2026 World Cup. While past struggles with form and a controversial Ballon d’Or snub cast a shadow, the Real Madrid winger is now demonstrating the decisive impact that once positioned him as a frontrunner for the individual award. His recent performances suggest a return to peak form, and he’s currently outperforming his Brazilian counterparts across various leagues.
The narrative surrounding Vinicius Jr. Shifted dramatically in October 2024. After a stunning hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund – a game where he showcased exceptional dribbling and finishing – the expectation was that he would claim the 2024 Ballon d’Or. However, the award went to Rodri, a result that prompted a visible reaction from Vinicius and a boycott of the ceremony by Real Madrid. He publicly declared his determination to win the award in the future, but 2025 proved challenging, with Real Madrid failing to secure major trophies and Vinicius experiencing a dip in form.
Despite those setbacks, Vinicius is now rediscovering his influence. He has been directly involved in four goals in his last three games, a statistic that surpasses the contributions of other Brazilian players currently competing abroad. Only João Pedro, playing for Chelsea, appears to be matching his level of impact. Vinicius has accumulated 12 goals and 10 assists for Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, while João Pedro has 16 goals and five assists.
Other Brazilians are making their mark, but none currently match Vinicius’s overall influence. Antony, also playing in Europe, has contributed to four goals, while Betis’s Willian José has 19 goal involvements (10 goals and nine assists). Raphinha, of Barcelona, has 18 goal involvements in 22 games, boasting the highest average among Brazilian attackers. Igor Thiago, playing for Brentford, also has 19 goal involvements.
The resurgence of Vinicius is particularly significant given the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti as the manager of the Brazilian national team. Ancelotti, who previously managed Vinicius at Real Madrid, clearly believes in the player’s potential. Vinicius has stated that Ancelotti consistently expresses confidence in Brazil’s ability to win the World Cup, and is quickly learning Portuguese to better communicate with the team.
While Vinicius himself has publicly identified Argentina, Portugal, Spain, and France as the leading contenders for the 2026 World Cup, dismissing Brazil’s chances, Ancelotti’s arrival injects a renewed sense of optimism. Brazil’s recent record against Argentina – losing both matches in the South American qualifying campaign – underscores the challenge ahead. However, Ancelotti’s leadership and Vinicius’s growing form could prove to be a potent combination.
The situation highlights a fascinating dynamic: Vinicius, despite his individual brilliance, acknowledges the strength of rival nations, while his manager remains steadfast in his belief in Brazil’s potential. This contrast in perspectives adds another layer of intrigue to Brazil’s preparations for the tournament. Vinicius’s ability to translate his club form onto the international stage will be crucial, and his recent performances suggest he is well-positioned to do so.
The 2026 World Cup represents a significant opportunity for Vinicius Jr. To cement his legacy as one of Brazil’s most impactful players. After the disappointment of the Ballon d’Or snub and a period of fluctuating form, he is now demonstrating the qualities that made him a global sensation. His performances are not only driving Real Madrid’s success but are also providing a glimmer of hope for a Brazilian team eager to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of international football.
The coming months will be critical as Vinicius continues to build momentum and refine his game under Ancelotti’s guidance. The pressure will be immense, but if he can maintain his current trajectory, he will undoubtedly be a key figure for Brazil in their quest for a sixth World Cup title.
