Vinícius Júnior isn't going through his best moment. For months, his level on the field has dropped noticeably. The 2023-2024 season was supposed to be the one for his consecration, even as a candidate for the Ballon d'Or. However, little by little, that shine has faded away.
The Brazilian, who not so long ago was one of the great stars of Real Madrid, is now in the eye of the storm. His performances and, above all, his gestures, have caused concern both inside and outside the club.
Changes that alarm
A few days ago, Vinícius set off alarms among Madridists with an unexpected move: he changed his Instagram profile. He removed the two photos where he appeared celebrating the last Champions League titles with Real Madrid and changed his biography, leaving only the link to Instituto Vini Jr. For many, it was a disconcerting gesture.
Why delete those glorious moments? On social media, theories quickly emerged. Some thought he might be distancing himself from the club or going through a difficult personal time.
Attack campaign or strategy?
Among the most discussed hypotheses was that of the massive insults Vinícius had received on those posts. Many of those attacks came from suspicious accounts, which seemed to be bots dedicated to discrediting the footballer. This led people to think that the profile modification could be a reaction to that external pressure.
However, the mystery was partially cleared up when Josep Pedrerol reported that Real Madrid contacted the footballer's entourage to ask for explanations. The response was that it was the agency managing Vinícius's communications that decided on those changes. Shortly after, the photo with the white jersey returned to the official account, softening the controversy a bit.
Florentino Pérez wants answers
The situation hasn't gone unnoticed by the board. According to various sources, Florentino Pérez, the club's president, has asked for clear explanations about what happened.
He not only wants to understand the communication strategy but also Vinícius's emotional and sporting situation. The concern isn't just about social media, but about the player's performance. The club needs its star in top form, especially at key moments of the season.
Criticism and pressure after the Club World Cup
Vinícius has also received criticism for his performance in the Club World Cup. In the first match against Al-Hilal, Madrid couldn't get past a draw and the Brazilian was singled out by some fans and analysts.
In addition, he was substituted in the first two group stage matches, something unusual for a player of his caliber. This has only increased the pressure on him.