MIAMI GARDENS, FL, June 25 (Agencies): It has been eight years since a brace-faced, 18-year-old Vinícius Júnior tip-toed onto the grand stage of Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu.
Since then, Vinícius has cemented himself as one of the best wingers in the world, scoring 128 goals and assisting 100 in 375 games for Madrid. Vini has lifted two Champions League titles with Madrid, scoring goals in both finals.
He hasn't hit the same heights with the Brazilian national team. Vinícius has scored just 11 goals and assisted 10 in 51 appearances for the Seleção. It's a fine record for most players, but it's a notable contrast from his dominant club form. Because of that contrast, Vinícius has often drawn heavy criticism from Brazilian media and fans alike. However, the 2026 World Cup has, so far, seen Vinícius answer his critics. The Madrid man scored a wonderful goal to bring Brazil level in the team's 1-1 draw with Morocco, but insisted he was still not at his best.
"I can still improve a lot," Vinícius said. "I scored, but wasn't at 100 per cent technically. I can improve and help more in attack - but I helped a lot in defense too, where everyone was impeccable."
Vini made good on his remarks in the following match against Haiti, providing a goal and an assist in a 3-0 win.
"I'm at my best moment physically, technically and mentally," Vinícius said, following the win. "I always dreamed of arriving at the best competition in the world at 100 per cent. I'm on a big upward curve, to play games better than this one, better than Morocco, and take Brazil to the top."
Vinicius scored twice in the first half in Miami, including a header, to set Brazil on their way to a victory which allowed them to progress to the last 32 as winners of Group C.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed Vinicius Junior as "one of the best players in the world" after the Real Madrid forward continued his excellent World Cup form with a brace in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Scotland.
He is level with France's Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland in the golden boot race, with that trio all one behind Lionel Messi. He is the first Brazilian to score in all three group matches at a World Cup since Ronaldo and Rivaldo both achieved the feat in 2002. The only other Brazilian players to find the net in all three group games are Jairzinho, in 1970, and Romario in 1994 -- that is illustrious company to keep, and Brazil went on to lift the trophy every time one of their players did that in the past.
"I always say I am not that bothered about numbers. I am not used to scoring so many goals, but the coach has moved me into a position to which I have adapted well, and now I am scoring and helping the team," Vinicius told Brazilian broadcaster CazeTV.
Vinicius, who came second in the Ballon d'Or in 2024, netted 22 goals in 53 games in all competitions for Real last season.
"Hopefully I can keep going to the final. I am very happy with the work being done by the team. If everyone is playing well, the ball will arrive in attacking areas and we will have chances to score goals," he added.
While there may be no singular reason for Vinícius' red-hot form this World Cup, there is no doubt Carlo Ancelotti's appointment has made an impact.
With Barcelona's Raphinha set to be sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Seleção will be relying on Vini more than ever. If recent form is any indication, he might be ready to shoulder the weight of being Brazil's biggest star.
Ancelotti spent four seasons with the Brazilian winger as Real Madrid manager. In their time together, Vinícius scored 90 goals and provided 67 assists in 198 appearances. Ancelotti managed both of Vinícius' Champions League-winning seasons, as well.
"It's always easy to talk about him, because he knows me like no one else," Vinícius said following the Morocco match. "He always makes me adapt as fast as possible, gives me the importance I need and deserve and, God willing, I can do much more for him."
Ancelotti hailed Vinícius Jr. as one of the standouts at this year's World Cup, placing him in the same conversations as Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland.
"I think [he's on their level], yes," Ancelotti said. "We have a great attacking presence, and we need to take advantage of it, just like other teams that have fantastic attacking players."
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