61 matches played and 13 goals scored. These figures are very far from what is required of a beginner attacker the real Madrid. This is even more true when it comes to the number of Vinicius Jr.. A player who, only 14 months ago, was about to receive the Golden Ball and since that fateful October 28, 2024, he has lost his smile.
2025 was an “Annus horribilis” for the Brazilian. The shadow of this electric and decisive footballer in all the matches who led Real Madrid to their 15th. Champions. He has lost his spark, has no confidence in his game and is as erratic in his decision-making as in his first years at Madrid.
His 13 goals in this calendar year are an example of Vinicius’ declining performance. In fact, January was his best month with three goals. Since then, it has only been in April, August and October that he has scored more than once.
Indeed, his double against Villarreal October 4 were Vinicius’ last goals. He will go at least three months without scoring and is already on a disastrous streak of 14 consecutive games without seeing a goal with the white jersey. He is only two away from equaling the worst record of his career (20-21 season).
Vinicius has never been an exceptional goalscorer, but the 13 goals he has scored in the last 12 months are numbers he had already left behind. In 2023 he scored 19 and in 2024 he scored 32 goals. That is to say that from one year to the next its contribution to the score has decreased by more than 50%.
Hissing and anger
The Rio winger is experiencing one of his worst moments as a footballer, but not only at player level. He seems out of touch and this season he starred in two episodes that left him in the dark.
The first came during the last Clasico when he was replaced by Xabi Alonso. He showed his anger in front of the millions of eyes watching this match, made a big deal by leaving the field and heading straight to the locker room.
He later apologized, but a rift opened in the team which then moved to the green.
This Saturday’s match against Sevilla was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Vinicius was once again erratic in his decisions, indolent under pressure and once again found himself without scoring. Alonso took him off the field instead of Gonzalez in the 83rd minute and received a whistle from the entire Bernabéu audience.
An unprecedented fact in the career of Vinicius, who until now was untouchable among the fans. I had never experienced an episode like this.
And his reaction was not long in coming. After the conclusion of the match, he uploaded an image to his social media accompanied by three ellipses. In addition, he deleted his profile photo on Instagram with the Real Madrid jersey and put one of the Brazilian team.
12 months to negotiate
In the midst of this supporter crisis and a more than questionable sporting performance, a new problem appears on the horizon: renewal.
Vinicius’ relationship with Real Madrid ends in June 2027. There is still a year and a half left, there is room, but it is not advisable for the situation to take root. In fact, in just a year he would be free to negotiate a pre-contract with any club if everything remains as it is now.
Vinicius Jr. renews with Real Madrid until 2027
Vinicius is a very important asset for Real Madrid and losing him for free would be a disastrous operation. But the situation is complex. Renew a player whose performance has declined and have Mbappé as a clear figure in the project, or sell him this summer if an agreement is not found for his extension.
Much of the solution will depend on what happens during this second half of the season. Vinicius needs to get back to his best and Real Madrid need him to win titles. Now comes a two-week break before a Spanish Super Cup that could completely change the course of the season.
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