World Cup

Vinicius Junior Brazil stats reveal struggles of Real Madrid star at international level as 2026 World Cup approaches

Published: March 27 2025 | 00:18

Last updated: June 5 2025 | 00:47

Vinicius Junior's Brazil stats highlight concerns as 2026 World Cup approaches

Vinicius Junior's struggles on Wednesday during Brazil's 4-1 defeat against Argentina continues a trend of disappointing performances for the national team.

Vinicius Junior struggled once again for Brazil on Wednesday, with his side having been beaten 4-1 by fierce rivals Argentina.

Selecao struggled to deal with Argentina's physicality and direct speed of attack, but arguably the most concerning aspect of the team's performance was their timid display in the final third.

Matheus Cunha managed to halve the victors' lead to make the score 2-1 in the 26th minute, but his goal only came about due to a poor error from Cristian Romero.

Vinicius Junior spoke in the aftermath of the defeat about the "weight of [the Brazil] jersey" impacting the players when asked about why his team struggled.

The Real Madrid star has often failed to make an impact for Selecao and has in fact only scored six goals in 39 games for his national side, with his form at international level a huge concern ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil's Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring on March 20, 2025 © Imago

How much has Vinicius Junior struggled for Brazil?

While Vinicius Junior has only found the back of the net six times for Brazil, he has also only registered six assists, meaning he averages 0.4 goal contributions per 90.

At Real Madrid in La Liga this season, the winger has scored 10 goals and provided five assists, but he boasts 0.77 goal involvements per 90.

The Brazilian averaged 0.97 goals and assists per 90 last term in La Liga, and his impressive displays in Spain make his struggles for the national team even more frustrating.

In Vinicius Junior's defence, teammate Rodrygo has also underperformed for Brazil given he has scored just seven goals and provided one assist in 33 appearances.

Brazil have not won a major tournament since their Copa America triumph in 2019, with that victory their only major trophy since they won the 2002 World Cup.

Unless Vinicius Junior can significantly improve his showings for Selecao, it is difficult to see them beating the likes of Argentina and France to World Cup glory in 2026.

	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
C	Barcelona	38	28	4	6	102	39	63	88
2	Real Madrid	38	26	6	6	78	38	40	84
3	Atletico Madrid Atletico	38	22	10	6	68	30	38	76
4	Athletic Bilbao	38	19	13	6	54	29	25	70
5	Villarreal	38	20	10	8	71	51	20	70
6	Real Betis Betis	38	16	12	10	57	50	7	60
7	Celta Vigo	38	16	7	15	59	57	2	55
8	Osasuna	38	12	16	10	48	52	-4	52
9	Rayo Vallecano	38	13	13	12	41	45	-4	52
10	Mallorca	38	13	9	16	35	44	-9	48
11	Valencia	38	11	13	14	44	54	-10	46
12	Real Sociedad	38	13	7	18	35	46	-11	46
13	Getafe	38	11	9	18	34	39	-5	42
14	Alaves Alaves	38	10	12	16	38	48	-10	42
15	Espanyol	38	11	9	18	40	51	-11	42
16	Sevilla	38	10	11	17	42	55	-13	41
17	Girona Girona	38	11	8	19	44	60	-16	41
18	Leganes	38	9	13	16	39	56	-17	40
R	Las Palmas Las Palmas	38	8	8	22	40	61	-21	32
R	Real Valladolid Valladolid	38	4	4	30	26	90	-64	16
					> La Liga Full Table

World Cup

Vinicius Junior Brazil stats reveal struggles of Real Madrid star at international level as 2026 World Cup approaches

Vinicius Junior struggled once again for Brazil on Wednesday, with his side having been beaten 4-1 by fierce rivals Argentina.

How much has Vinicius Junior struggled for Brazil?

Click here for more stories about Vinicius Junior

Click here for more stories about Real Madrid

Latest Football Articles