Carlo Ancelotti has placed his trust in Vinícius Jr. to lead Brazil to World Cup glory, but the star forward faces a complex and sometimes critical relationship with his home nation. Despite being widely regarded as Brazil's brightest talent and the heir apparent to Neymar, Vinícius Jr. has not garnered the unconditional support many might expect.
This ambivalence stems partly from his early departure from Flamengo for Real Madrid at just 16 years old, having played minimal senior football. This move, perceived by some Brazilians as a premature abandonment of his national roots for European ambitions, has left a lingering resentment among segments of the fanbase. Some express disappointment that players pursuing careers in Europe seem to 'forget who they are, where they came from.'
The intense scrutiny and pressure associated with playing for Flamengo, Brazil's most popular club, also contribute to the narrative. For many outside of Flamengo's vast fanbase, the club's prominence breeds a degree of resentment, and this scrutiny has extended to Vinícius Jr., with some observers seemingly waiting for him to falter.
Social media abuse, including racist remarks, followed his early career, with some critics likening him to previous promising Flamengo talents who failed to reach their full potential. Media analysts at the time questioned whether he would succeed at Real Madrid or if fellow Brazilian Rodrygo, who had also moved to the Spanish club, was the superior prospect.
Vinícius Jr. has largely silenced these doubts with his performances, yet the complex dynamic persists, fueled in part by the enduring reverence for Neymar. Even as the veteran Neymar, now 34, finds himself on the periphery of the current World Cup squad, many Brazilians still deify him, struggling to accept that his prime has passed. Being labeled 'the new Neymar' also places an additional burden on Vinícius Jr., making him a focal point for comparisons and criticism.
Ancelotti, who knows Vinícius Jr.'s game intimately from their time together at Real Madrid, has structured the Brazilian team to maximize the forward's impact. By freeing him from extensive defensive duties, the coach has created an environment similar to the one that allowed Brazil's attacking duo Romario and Bebeto to flourish in the 1994 World Cup victory. However, unlike that era, the current Brazilian squad lacks a standout No. 9.
Vinícius Jr. has publicly stated his desire to earn the full affection of his nation, expressing a yearning for national support akin to Lionel Messi's journey with Argentina, where he was not always cherished during difficult periods. The forward has vowed to 'do 10 times more if I have to,' indicating his determination to lead Brazil to a World Cup title. Whether this achievement will finally secure him the widespread adoration he seeks remains to be seen, with the risk that failure could lead to him bearing the brunt of the blame.