Vinícius Júnior is one of the most outstanding talents in world soccer. However, his current level at Real Madrid has been the subject of criticism.
The recent documentary "Baila, Vini" on Netflix allowed people to get to know him up close, showing both his personal and professional life. But it was a phrase from the Brazilian that caused a great stir in Spain.
A year with ups and downs
This year, Vinícius has played 50 matches, scoring 20 goals and assisting 16 times. Although these are good numbers, they have decreased compared to last season, when he scored 25 goals and provided 12 assists in 40 matches.
This difference speaks of a drop in his performance. Not only have his statistics decreased, but also his impact on a Real Madrid experiencing an irregular season.
The excuse that caused controversy
In the midst of this context, Vinícius dropped a phrase that did not go unnoticed:
"I play better against the best teams. In LaLiga, I'm marked by two or three players."
This statement, taken from the documentary, was seen as an excuse to justify his low levels in certain matches. Complaining about constant marking by opponents is understandable, but putting it as the main reason to explain poor performance was criticized by many.
More than just soccer: a story of sacrifice
The documentary also shows the human side of Vinícius. Born in a tough neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, he recounted how he had to fight not to fall into dark paths:
"I left Brazil, from a neighborhood where you either become a criminal or you have to work hard to..."
These words, spoken with emotion, reflect the pressure he has lived with since he was young and the effort behind his rise to European soccer.
Brutal honesty: "I'm not paid to be nice"
Vinícius also showed himself to be very sincere about his mentality: "I'm not paid to be nice. I'm paid to score goals."
He also recalled his first impressions upon arriving at Real Madrid: "I don't think I'm at the level of these guys."
That mix of insecurity and determination reveals much about his personality and the weight he carries on his shoulders.
What does the future hold for Vini?
Vinícius is at a crossroads. He can continue to see his performance decline and be the target of criticism, or find the path to shine again. The excuse of being closely marked can only serve to make him work harder, not to justify a poor level.
Madrid and its followers hope that this young talent will recover the version that dazzled not long ago. Time will be the final judge of this story.