After guiding Real Madrid to the 2023/24 LaLiga title and UEFA Champions League title, winning the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season award after registering six goals and five assists in Madrid's victorious campaign, it seemed to be a guarantee that Vinícius would get his hands on the Ballon d'Or. Instead, Manchester City's Rodri claimed a shock victory after leading Spain to Euros glory in the previous summer.
Whereas Rodri has struggled with injury over the past year, Vinícius has struggled for form, with his humiliating defeat in Paris taking a severe toll on his confidence. Having scored 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 appearances in 2023/24, Vinícius would score just 22 goals and 19 assists in 58 appearances in 2024/25, taking a secondary role as new signing Kylian Mbappé established himself as Real's new attacking talisman.
This season, the Brazilian forward has scored 5 goals and 4 assists in 11 LaLiga appearances, but he's failed to provide a single goal contribution thus far in his four Champions League appearances.
And whilst he was an undisputed starter under previous coach and current Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, Vini has already come off the bench in three matches this season, and he's only lasted the full 90 in five matches thus far.
Vinícius Júnior is struggling more than ever at Real Madrid
Since returning from the October international break, Vinícius has picked up more yellow cards (2) than goal contributions (0) in his 6 matches for Real Madrid, who sit three points clear in first place.
It is becoming evident that not only is Vinícius struggling to find his best form under Alonso, but he's struggling to deliver under the enormous weight of expectations as well as the constant speculation regarding his future.
The Brazilian's contract expires in 2027, and it seems that Real have been unwilling to fulfil his desire to match Mbappé's astronomic wages. As long as Vinícius' woes in front of goal continue, the speculation will only grow even more.
With other young talents like Franco Mastantuono, Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz and Arda Güler waiting in the wings and Jude Bellingham and Mbappé excelling in attack, it's undeniable that Vinícius needs Real more than Real needs Vinícius.
As such, Vinícius is reaching a critical juncture in his Real Madrid career. If he wants to earn a salary that is befitting of his other-worldly talent, he needs to start showing his A-game.