Vinícius Júnior closed an unforgettable chapter in Doha. After receiving The Best award, which recognizes the best player in the world, the Brazilian was also the standout figure in the Intercontinental Cup final. In that match, Real Madrid defeated Pachuca 3-0 and Vinícius was crowned the best player of the game.
This achievement comes at a sweet moment for the Madrid winger, who, despite his recent successes, will have to face an unexpected twist in his sports plans to close the year. Ancelotti's decision has caused turmoil, even among his teammates, like Kylian Mbappé, who reportedly didn't receive the news well.
Ancelotti's Decision
Ancelotti explained his plans after the victory in the Intercontinental. "Vinícius will train until Friday and on Saturday he'll go on vacation. He'll return on the 30th, like all of us. We have plenty of time to prepare for the match against Valencia."
This means the Brazilian won't be present in the last match of the year, scheduled for December 22 against Sevilla at Santiago Bernabéu. The suspension for yellow cards sidelined him, but advancing his vacation surprised even Mbappé.
Dissatisfaction in the Locker Room
The relationship between Mbappé and Vinícius has been under scrutiny since the Frenchman's arrival at Real Madrid. Both players, key pieces of the team, have shown good chemistry on the field, but there's also healthy competition to lead the Madrid project.
Vinícius's absence in such an important match reportedly didn't sit well with Mbappé. According to close sources, he expected to count on him to give a solid close to the year. Some interpret Ancelotti's decision as a sign of special care toward the Brazilian, something that could cause tension within the locker room.
Preparing for a Crucial 2025
Vinícius's extra rest has a clear objective: to be in top condition for the commitments in January. Real Madrid will face Valencia on January 3 in La Liga and Deportiva Minera on the 6th in Copa del Rey.
For Ancelotti, protecting the physical condition of his stars is a priority. Although the decision may trigger divided opinions, it aims to ensure that both Vinícius and Mbappé are in top condition to lead the team in a decisive phase of the season.
The question remains: Can Ancelotti manage the expectations of two of the best players in the world without affecting the team's balance? Only time will tell.