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Vinícius Júnior has opened up about his crisis of confidence following Brazil's elimination from the World Cup this summer.
The Real Madrid talisman has found the net just once for his club in the 2026–27 campaign to date, with his poor form laid bare during a 2–1 loss to city rivals Atlético Madrid before the international break.
Vinícius Jr. recorded zero shots on target, zero chances created and zero key passes in an uninspiring derby display, and was hauled off before the 60-minute mark.
Calls have grown for Madrid boss José Mourinho to bench the Brazilian during his slump, with club-record acquisition Yan Diomande pressing for a starting berth. Mourinho has consistently backed Vinícius Jr. despite jeers from Bernabéu supporters this season, though he has acknowledged the winger is "not at his best."
'Hard to Accept'—Vinicius Jr. Addresses World Cup Failure
Vinícius Jr. did manage to get on the scoresheet for Brazil, converting a late penalty to make it 4–2 in a friendly victory over Australia in Brisbane—the second fixture of a double-header between the two nations during this international window.
Reflecting on the game, the Real Madrid star revealed he was handed penalty duties specifically to give his confidence a lift.
"Bruno Guimarães is our penalty taker when Raphinha isn't on the pitch, and I assumed he'd want to step up, but he understood that I need a confidence boost right now, in this moment," Vinícius Jr. disclosed.
"My teammates are aware that I need some confidence at the moment. Losing a World Cup is painful and difficult to come to terms with, and bouncing back is never straightforward."
Vinícius Jr. netted four goals throughout Brazil's World Cup run in North America and was unquestionably the Seleção's most influential performer across the tournament. Nevertheless, he drew criticism from certain corners for not stepping forward to take a first-half penalty in the Round of 16 defeat against Norway—despite not being the designated taker.
After the Australia fixture, Guimarães—the player who had missed the decisive spot kick against Norway—confirmed he willingly passed the ball to Vinícius Jr. as a gesture of support.
He said: "In the World Cup, [Carlo] Ancelotti told me to take the penalty. Today, he told Viní to take it. Viní really needed to score a goal. He took it very well. We have no vanity whatsoever. We want what's best for Brazil. We're happy for him and it's about continuing the work."
Ancelotti Calls for 'Patience'
Brazil head coach Ancelotti mirrored Mourinho's view that Vinícius Jr. is well below his peak, yet maintained that the attacker warrants 'patience' given his significance to the squad.
"I know Viní very well. For me, he is a fundamental player for Brazil and he has been throughout my football history, and he will continue to be a key player for Brazil in the future," Ancelotti told reporters.
"It is true that he is not in his best moment, nor at his best level, but even so he can make the difference, and that is what he did today. Today, I decided that he deserved to take it [the penalty] because he deserved to score a goal.
"Personally, I will be very patient, because he deserves this patience."