Vinicius on the Failed Season, Locker Room, His Future, Mbappé, Criticism, Yamal, Endrick, Brazil, the World Cup, Neymar, and Flamengo

Real Madrid's Brazilian star, Vinicius Junior, recently sat down for a 45-minute interview with Caze TV in his home country, discussing a range of topics concerning himself, his club, and the national team.

On Real Madrid's Season

It was quite a challenging season. We started strong, building a lead over Barcelona, but then we began to falter, dropping points in matches we shouldn't have. Our confidence waned, while Barca's grew. This marks the first time I haven't won anything in two consecutive seasons, so we fell short. Despite that, we have the squad necessary to triumph next campaign. Real Madrid always bounces back. My first year was also very difficult, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo's departure then.

On the Current Locker Room Dynamics

Currently, we're without figures like Nacho Fernandez, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos, and Dani Carvajal was injured for a long time. They brought immense experience to the team. Now, Fede Valverde and I have significant on-field experience, but not as much in the locker room. We lack the experience to carry that burden, so we must continue to learn. This season taught us a lot about the dressing room. Next campaign, we'll be a better unit: more cohesive and a stronger team. We're undergoing a generational shift, and we need to adapt our roles to be effective. Sometimes it's good to reflect on what you had and realize that it's not easy to win everything we've achieved. I've grown accustomed to both triumphs and setbacks. There's immense pressure, but that's part of being with the best team in the world. People hope we fail, and we have for two consecutive years. We cannot let that happen again.

On His Future at the Club

I've never imagined being away from Real Madrid. I cherish every minute here because this is my dream club. Now I'm one of the captains, which is incredibly important. I want to stay here my whole life, but I'm not rushing a new contract. My current one runs until 2027. So, there's plenty of time for me to talk with Real Madrid, and for the club to talk with me. Real is calm, and so am I. The president trusts me, and I trust him. That's all there is to it. We just have to wait, live each day, and enjoy being at the biggest club in the world.

On His Relationship with Kylian Mbappé

I've always had a good relationship with Mbappé, both on and off the pitch. I constantly sent him messages, trying to convince him to come to Madrid. We haven't yet played as well as we'd like, nor have we won trophies, but we can turn this situation around. He's a good person and always defends me in his interviews or on the field, as he did against Benfica. I would defend him too. He's a legendary player who will define an era in Madrid.

On the Criticism He Receives

When I first arrived in Madrid, everyone said I wouldn't play. Then, they said I wouldn't score goals, and finally, that I wouldn't win anything. In the end, I've always proven all the critics wrong. They said I was expensive because of my 45 million price tag, but ultimately, I turned out to be a bargain given everything I've achieved. The president and the fans, however, adore me.

On Lamine Yamal and Endrick

Lamine is one of those players people pay to watch. He's a fantastic footballer, and it's quite difficult to play against him. I'm convinced he also admires the Madrid players. Endrick, on the other hand, drove me crazy because every day he'd text me, worried about whether he'd play in the World Cup. I kept telling him to calm down and that everything would be fine. And look, he made it. Not everyone gets to play in a World Cup at 19. Later, he even came here and told me we had to celebrate.

On the Brazilian National Team and the 2026 World Cup

At my club, we play every three days and can consistently show our level. With the national team, however, it's harder, and we haven't reached the required standard. I know we're disappointing people, but the time has come for us all to unite because we can change our history and bring celebrations back to our country. I hope the eight matches at the World Cup will be the best of my life. Representing Brazil in the biggest football tournament is a childhood dream of mine. So, I want to do everything possible to help my country win another World Cup. Spain, France, Argentina, Portugal, and Germany are the big favorites.

On His Relationship with Neymar

Neymar is our idol. I've always had immense affection for him, and he has always defended me. After every call-up, Neymar would tell me: "Damn, Ancelotti didn't call me again, I'm really sad." But I constantly told him that the old man believed in him and that when the right moment came, he would call Ney. He supported us younger players a lot when we arrived. He always gave us great encouragement. It would be an honor to play with him again. And, God willing, let it be a beautiful last dance.

On a Future Return to Flamengo

I won't be doing it in the next four years, as I'm only 25. But someday I will return. I don't want to do it when I'm too old, so maybe in about 9-10 years. I'm working to extend my career and arrive in Brazil in good condition with the intention of winning the Copa Libertadores.