Six goals and five assists for Real Madrid in 2025: What the hell has happened to Vinicius Jr?!

Vinicius Jr, typically a decisive force for Real Madrid, has struggled to make an impact in 2025, contributing only six goals and five assists. This downturn in form has coincided with a dramatic loss of influence on the pitch, leaving Los Blancos to suffer.

see also: Emma Raducanu's Sponsorship Deals Under Scrutiny Amid Struggles on Court

Here’s a breakdown of what’s been going on:

Post-Ballon d’Or Slump: 

After placing second in the 2024 Ballon dOr race behind Rodri, Vinicius Jr.s performance has noticeably declined. Social media posts on X and various reports indicate that the disappointment from the award loss, combined with Real Madrids decision to boycott the ceremony, has impacted his mental state. Since the start of the year, Vinicius has scored six goals, including two against Salzburg in a league outside Europes top five, a tally considered disappointing for a player of his stature. Critics argue that his current form fails to match the expectations set by his previous performances, raising concerns about his ability to rebound from this setback. The narrative surrounding his slump highlights the psychological toll of high stakes individual awards and the pressure to maintain elite level consistency at a club like Real Madrid.

Struggles in Big Moments:

Vinicius Jr. has faced scrutiny for underperforming in crucial matches, notably missing penalties against Atletico Madrid and Valencia. His Valencia performance drew ire from Bernabeu fans, with four shots, no successful dribbles, and little defensive effort. Coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged Vinicius' failure to capitalize on opportunities, resulting in his removal from penalty duties. These struggles highlight a pattern of faltering in high stakes moments, raising questions about his ability to deliver when it matters most for Real Madrid. Despite his undeniable talent, these shortcomings have fueled criticism and put pressure on the young star to prove himself in big games.

see also: Every Champions League finalists losing manager since the inception in 1992

International Woes: 

Vinicius Junior's struggles with Brazil contrast sharply with his club success, raising concerns for the 2026 World Cup. Despite his flair at Real Madrid, the 24-year-old has scored just six goals in 39 appearances for the Selecao. A 4-1 defeat to Argentina in March 2025 highlighted his challenges, as he failed to make an impact. Vinicius has admitted that the "weight" of the Brazil jersey affects his performance, suggesting mental pressure plays a role. His inability to replicate his club form has sparked debate about his role in the national team, with critics pointing to tactical mismatches and high expectations. As Brazil aims to reclaim World Cup glory, Vinicius's form remains a focal point. The coaching staff and fans hope he can overcome these hurdles to deliver on the international stage, where his talent is undeniable but yet to fully shine.

Fan and Media Pressure:

Real Madrid fans are increasingly frustrated with a player, booing him during the team's loss to Valencia. Social media sentiment on X mirrors this discontent, with fans labeling his 2025 performance; six goals, six assists, three missed penalties, six yellow cards, and one red card as "atrocious" for someone considered a Ballon d’Or contender. The player's stats pale in comparison to teammate Kylian Mbappe, who has scored an impressive 33 goals, fueling further criticism. The mounting pressure from fans and media highlights growing dissatisfaction with his contributions this season, raising questions about his form and future at the club. 

Bright Spots:

Despite recent struggles, Vinicius Junior delivered a bright moment by scoring a dramatic 99th minute winner for Brazil against Colombia in World Cup qualifying, proving his ability to shine in clutch situations. This goal highlighted his resilience amid a challenging period. Additionally, Vinicius reached a significant milestone with Real Madrid, scoring his 104th goal for the club in a match against Valencia. This achievement tied him with Ronaldo Nazario as Madrid’s highest scoring Brazilian, a record he celebrated despite the team’s defeat. These moments underscore Vinicius’s capacity to produce standout performances, even as he navigates criticism and pressure. His flair and determination continue to make him a pivotal figure for both club and country, offering glimpses of brilliance that counterbalance the gloom surrounding his recent form and Real Madrid’s struggles.

see also:  The most goals scored in a single season in history: Ronaldo 8th, Messi 2nd…

What’s Happening? 

Vinicius Junior's recent struggles stem from a blend of psychological pressure, tactical shifts, and misfortune. Carlo Ancelotti's decision to remove him from penalty duties may be undermining his confidence, impacting his usual flair. His dribbling focused style has resulted in bookings and a red card, further disrupting his flow. Despite these challenges, at 24, Vinicius has ample time to recover. With the Club World Cup approaching, expectations are high for him to regain form alongside teammates like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. The consensus suggests that while his current dip is concerning, it’s likely temporary, given his talent and youth. A strong performance in upcoming competitions could help him rediscover his rhythm and reestablish his status as one of football’s brightest stars.