Ancelotti Admits Brazil Pressure Affects Vinícius Júnior but Backs Real Madrid Star to Excel
Vinícius Júnior has solidified his reputation as one of Real Madrid’s most dynamic attackers, yet his transition to the Brazilian national team comes with heightened expectations and intense scrutiny. Carlo Ancelotti, the former Real Madrid manager, recently acknowledged that this pressure can inhibit the young winger’s natural game when wearing the famous yellow jersey, even though he shines brilliantly in Madrid’s white kit.
In an interview with Marca, Ancelotti praised Vinícius: “He is extraordinary, fantastic, and tireless—a true fighter. His love for the national team runs deep, and that emotional bond sometimes makes him overly cautious for fear of making mistakes. Nonetheless, I’m convinced his best version will emerge soon with the Seleção.”
During the 2024–25 campaign, Vinícius appeared in 42 matches for Real Madrid across La Liga, the Champions League, and domestic cups, contributing directly to 37 goals (20 goals and 17 assists). He finished as Real Madrid’s second-highest scorer in La Liga with 14 goals, helping secure the club’s 36th La Liga title. His direct involvement in roughly 0.88 goals per game made him a critical component of Madrid’s attacking trio and underscored his ability to deliver under the relentless pressure of playing for a club of this magnitude.
For Brazil, Vinícius has featured in over 30 matches up to mid-2025, scoring 12 goals and providing 8 assists. Despite those numbers—solid for a player who primarily excels on the wings—the intense media coverage and fan criticism often overshadow his positive contributions. Over the past two years, he has faced waves of social media backlash when certain high-profile opportunities were missed, revealing how small margins can define a player’s national-team narrative.
Off the pitch, the 24-year-old is on the verge of signing a new five-year contract with Real Madrid—likely extending his stay until summer 2030—worth €100 million net, payable over the contract’s duration. This deal reflects Madrid’s commitment to retaining him as a long-term focal point of their attack and offers Vinícius the stability needed to focus on both club and country responsibilities.
While critics debate his consistency with Brazil, Ancelotti’s faith remains unwavering. He recalled Vinícius’s decisive goal in the 2023 Champions League final—an act of resilience when all eyes watched—and believes that similar moments will come with Brazil. “He’s a hard worker and a fighter like few others,” Ancelotti added. “I’m certain we will soon see his finest performances in yellow.”
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