Despite scoring five goals with four assists in 12 La Liga games for Real Madrid this season, Vinícius Júnior continues to be criticized by supporters. Many fans believe that he has not been the same player since he missed out on the Ballon d'Or award to Manchester City's Rodri last year.
The Brazilian is yet to have a goal involvement in the Champions League this campaign. European competition is very important to Los Blancos, and this could be a reason for Vinícius' critics. However, a former teammate of the forward has backed him.
Karim Benzema played 186 times with Vinícius for Real Madrid, so he knows a thing or two about the player. Benzema has been quoted by Fabrizio Romano saying, "Don’t forget what Vini Jr did for Real Madrid, it’d be not fair at all. He’s a very good kid, with a big heart, who wants to learn, he’s phenomenal. People put a lot of pressure on him. He can do more, but you can’t say he’s bad now."
The Frenchman is a Real Madrid legend, but unexpectedly quit the club in 2023 for Al-Ittihad. Vinícius, who reportedly feels underappreciated at Los Blancos, has also recently been linked with the Saudi Pro League.
Does Vinícius Junior currently get the credit he deserves at Real Madrid?
Vinícius is contracted to Real Madrid until 2027, so it would take a huge sum to prize him away from the Bernabéu Stadium. The Brazilian is also only 25 years old and in the prime of his career. It is too early for him to depart from European soccer. However, the riches of Saudi Arabia have tempted other world-class players, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, to their division.
Benzema had a great relationship with Vinícius during their playing days together at Real Madrid. The Frenchman even spoke very highly of the Brazilian in the Netflix documentary about the player, named simply Vini Jr.
Real Madrid has many star players, including Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, as well as Vinícius. Mbappé and Bellingham are both continuing their fantastic form, which could be a reason why Vinícius does not always get the credit he deserves.
This has led to frustration for Vinícius. It is Xabi Alonso's job to keep these big egos happy at the club. Alonso knows what it is like at the club as he is a former Real Madrid player. They have a history of signing the biggest names in the world and even had a squad nicknamed the Galácticos.