Vinícius Júnior slammed in Spain: 'He's been unrecognisable for months'

In Spain, the aftermath of Real Madrid’s humiliating 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup has sparked a media firestorm, and while criticism was widespread, Vinícius Júnior found himself at the centre of a particularly ruthless wave of backlash.

Once hailed as the face of the club’s future and crowned FIFA Best Men’s Player 2024, the Brazilian winger is now under intense scrutiny from fans and pundits alike, accused of being a shadow of his former self.

Vinícius’ performance in the high-stakes clash was described as virtually anonymous, with the winger failing to make any meaningful impact during the 63 minutes he was on the pitch. He didn’t register a single shot, made only 14 passes, and appeared disconnected from the rhythm and intensity of the game a stark contrast to the explosive, high-energy displays that once made him Real Madrid’s most feared attacking weapon. His only notable contributions in the entire tournament came in a group-stage win over Salzburg, where he scored and assisted in a 3-0 victory. Beyond that, his presence was described as “invisible.”

The media response has been unforgiving. Spanish daily Marca launched a scathing critique, stating that Vinícius has been “unrecognisable for months”, citing a decline not just in technical execution, such as wayward passes and poor decision-making, but also in mental sharpness and commitment. “This is not the Vinícius who once terrorised Europe’s best defences,” one columnist wrote. “It’s a player lost, lacking urgency and bite.”

AS, another Madrid-based sports daily, echoed those concerns. The outlet pointed out that the Brazilian winger appeared “detached” throughout the match, showing none of his trademark resilience or willingness to fight for every ball. “The fire that once defined him is simply gone,” the paper noted, referencing how Vinícius previously lauded for his relentless pressing and fearlessness in 1v1 situations now seemed to shy away from challenges and drift through matches. His laughter on the bench late in the PSG match, caught on camera while Real trailed 3-0, was met with outrage by fans on social media, with many accusing him of lacking professionalism and emotional investment in the club’s success.

The image of Vinícius joking with teammates at a moment of crisis became symbolic of a broader perception: that the player has lost focus and discipline since reaching the peak of individual accolades. Some critics believe the forward’s sharp decline is the result of complacency following a highly decorated 2023-24 season, during which he played a key role in Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League double.

The situation has been compounded by the struggles of Kylian Mbappé, who was also underwhelming against PSG ironically, his former club. The French star was widely criticised for offering little going forward and almost nothing defensively. Mbappé managed just one shot (off target) and completed only 15 passes, the third-lowest total among Madrid starters. Only Vinícius (14) and full-back Fran García (12) had fewer. Unlike PSG’s front three who pressed tirelessly and helped out defensively Madrid’s stars were passive and, according to El País, “played like strangers, not teammates.”

While Mbappé’s subdued display raised concerns, it is Vinícius who is under far greater pressure. The Brazilian, once tipped to inherit the mantle from Cristiano Ronaldo, is now at risk of becoming a cautionary tale. Observers point out that his body language has changed, his hunger appears diminished, and his form is in sharp decline. In a season that should have cemented his status as one of the game’s greats, his inconsistency is now threatening to derail his trajectory entirely.

There are now serious questions being asked about his future at the club not in terms of transfers, as Real Madrid reportedly still sees him as a long-term asset but regarding his role, starting place, and influence in a team that is evolving under intense pressure and expectations. Some pundits suggest that a spell on the bench might serve as a wake-up call, while others believe the coaching staff must intervene more directly to reignite the competitive fire that once defined him.

As Real Madrid prepares for the new domestic season and the UEFA Super Cup clash in August, all eyes will be on Vinícius Júnior. Can he recover his form and rebuild the trust of supporters? Or will this prolonged slump mark the beginning of a long-term decline? What is clear is that the Brazilian is facing the most critical moment of his career one that will demand resilience, reflection, and above all, a return to the hunger that once made him unstoppable.