I have watched many soccer stars in my life, but today I want to talk about Vinicius. I feel that Vinicius, who once shined like a true genius on the field, is now facing challenges that go far beyond just his physical performance.
In this post, I share my personal view on his current state, his struggles with mental pressure, and the changes that seem to be taking over his game.
A Tough Season on the Field
I have seen Vinicius in many exciting matches. Recently, he played a double match against Brest in the Champions League. He admitted that he was not at his best in these games.
Just last Saturday, during the match against Espanyol de Barcelona, Vinicius admitted that he was not playing well. These admissions hurt because they remind us that the player we once knew has changed.
His performance now feels far from the Vinicius of 2023. I see that his game in 2025 shows a different picture. His dribbling, creating chances, and even taking penalty kicks are not as sharp as before.
The Stats That Tell the Story
I looked closely at some numbers. Last season, Vinicius used to average 2.8 dribbles per match and created many goal chances. In 2025, his dribble success rate and the number of chances he creates have dropped.
For example, he once managed 2 successful dribbles per match in 2024, but his current figures are lower. Even when he scores—like the 100th goals on his Real Madrid jersey—the overall performance tells a different story. I see that his performance is slipping, and it is clear in every match he plays.
Mental Pressure and a Struggling Mind
What worries me the most is not just the physical side of the game but Vinicius’ mental struggle. He is not only dealing with the pressure of playing at the highest level; he also faces challenges from within.
I believe the stress of not winning awards like the Ballon d’Or weighs heavily on him. I remember times when great players like Ribéry, Sneijder, and Lewandowski had similar issues.
They had great seasons, but they eventually faded from the conversation of the world’s best. I fear that Vinicius might be on the same path if he cannot overcome his mental hurdles.
His frustration is visible when he gets yellow cards quickly. I have seen him lose his temper, arguing with referees and even his own captain. This behavior shows that he is not just struggling with his game; he is struggling with himself. It hurts to see a player with so much talent be held back by his own challenges.
The Impact of New Stars and Team Dynamics
Another factor in Vinicius’ struggles is the arrival of new stars like Mbappé. With Mbappé taking on some key roles, such as a penalty taker, the focus has shifted away from Vinicius.
Real Madrid’s coaching staff and management continue to rely on the unique strengths of both Vinicius and Mbappé. While Mbappé has attracted a lot of attention in recent times, there is no clear indication that the club is sidelining Vinicius or questioning his leadership.
In fact, the team’s strategy is based on the specific talents each player brings, ensuring that both contribute effectively on the field. Rather than favoring one over the other for tactical or marketing reasons, the management’s decisions reflect a commitment to leveraging the full potential of their squad to achieve success.
The change in team dynamics has added extra pressure on him. I feel that this new environment makes it hard for him to show his best. It seems like the management does not support him as much as they should. I believe that if the team could work together and give Vinicius more confidence, things might turn around.
A Historical Comparison of Superstar Treatment
I often think back to history when superstars faced similar treatment. The last time a team treated a superstar so harshly was in 1996 in Italy, when Sacchi sidelined Baggio.
Back then, even though Baggio had helped Italy reach great heights, he was still not given the respect he deserved.
Today, I see echoes of that treatment in how Vinicius is managed. It is painful to witness a player with such talent be treated this way. This is something I have never seen in modern soccer until now.
What I Hope for Vinicius
Despite all these challenges, I remain hopeful. I believe Vinicius still has the talent to overcome his mental struggles and reclaim his place as one of the best.
I want to see him regain his confidence and show the brilliance that once lit up the field. I think that with better support from his teammates and management, he can get back to the level we all know he is capable of reaching.
I also believe that his journey can serve as a lesson for other players. The pressure to perform, especially when compared to legends like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, can weigh anyone down.
Vinicius needs time and the right support system to prove that he is more than just the sum of his current statistics.
My Final Thoughts
As a soccer fan, I feel deeply for Vinicius. I see a player who once brought so much joy and excitement to the game now battling inner demons and external pressures.
I urge his team to stand by him, to help him work on his mental toughness, and to trust in his ability to overcome adversity. The world of soccer is full of ups and downs, and I believe that with the right help, Vinicius can rise again.
I will continue to watch his journey with hope and admiration. Soccer is more than just a game; it is about overcoming challenges and rising above setbacks. I look forward to the day when Vinicius shows us the true power of his talent once again.
