Vinícius Opens Up on Mbappé Relationship, Names Five World Cup 2026 Favorites

Real Madrid concluded their second consecutive season without a trophy, a first since Vinícius Júnior's arrival at the club in 2018. The Brazilian forward shed light on what went wrong last season, emphasizing the team's lack of leadership compared to previous campaigns.

As the club's second captain, behind Federico Valverde, the 25-year-old attacker aims to gradually assume the responsibility left by Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, and Nacho Fernández. When asked about his partnership with Kylian Mbappé, he admitted their synergy isn't yet at the level he envisions.

"It was a very challenging season. We started well and built a lead over Barcelona, but then we began dropping points in matches we shouldn't have. Losses and draws crept in, we lost confidence, and Barcelona, conversely, gained it," he stated.

"This is the first time I've gone two seasons in a row without winning a trophy, so I see it as a personal failure. However, we have a squad capable of winning again next season. Real Madrid always bounces back. My first year was also very tough, coming shortly after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure," he explained to Cazé TV.

"Currently, we're missing personalities like Nacho, Modrić, and Kroos. Dani Carvajal was also injured for an extended period. These players brought immense experience to the team. Today, Valverde and I have a lot of on-field experience, but not yet in the dressing room," he noted.

"We don't have enough experience to shoulder all this responsibility, so we need to keep learning. This season taught me a lot about how the locker room functions. Next season, we'll be a more cohesive and stronger team. We're undergoing a cycle change, and it's essential that we embrace new roles.

Sometimes it's good to realize what you had and understand that it's not easy to constantly win. I've grown accustomed to triumphs, but also to difficult times. The pressure at Real is immense, but that comes with being the best club in the world. People are waiting for us to fail, and we've experienced that for two consecutive years. That must not happen again," declared the Rio native.

He's in no rush for a new contract: "I never imagined being outside Real Madrid. I enjoy every day here. It's my dream club. Now I'm one of the captains, which means a lot to me. I want to stay here my whole life, but I'm not rushing a new contract. The current one runs until 2027.

So there's plenty of time for discussions between me and the club. Real is calm, and so am I. The president trusts me, and I trust him. For now, I'm just enjoying every day at the biggest club in the world."

"I've always had a good relationship with Mbappé, both on and off the pitch. I often messaged him, trying to convince him to come to Madrid. Our collaboration isn't ideal yet, and we haven't won trophies, but we can change this situation.

He's a good person and always stands up for me – in interviews and on the pitch, as was the case against Benfica, for example. I would always defend him too. He's a legendary footballer, and I'm convinced he'll mark an entire era in Madrid," acknowledged the star Brazilian.

"When I first arrived in Madrid, everyone said I wouldn't play. Then, that I wouldn't score goals, and finally, that I wouldn't win anything. In the end, I disproved all those criticisms every time.

They said I was expensive because of my 45 million price tag, but it turned out that considering everything I've achieved, I was cheap. The president and the fans, however, adore me," says Vinícius Júnior.

"Lamine Yamal is one of those players people come to watch. He's exceptional and a very challenging opponent. I'm sure he also admires Real Madrid players," noted the two-time Champions League winner.

"Endrick, on the other hand, drove me crazy because he messaged me every day, worried about playing in the World Cup. I told him to calm down and that everything would be fine. And here he is. Not everyone gets to play in the World Cup at 19. Later, he came directly here and told me we should celebrate," he added.

Vinícius also commented on the upcoming World Cup, naming Spain, France, Argentina, Portugal, and Germany as the main favorites.

"At the club, we play every three days and can show our level. In the national team, however, it's more challenging, and we're not at the required level. I know we're disappointing people, but the moment has come for us all to be united because we can change our history and bring celebrations back to our country.

I hope those eight World Cup matches will be the best of my life. Representing Brazil in the biggest football tournament is my childhood dream. I want to do everything I can to help my country win another World Cup title. Spain, France, Argentina, Portugal, and Germany are big favorites," he honestly summarized.

"Neymar is our idol. I've always had immense affection for him, and he's always defended me. After every call-up, Neymar would tell me: 'Damn, Ancelotti didn't call me again, I'm really sad.' But I kept telling him that Ancelotti trusted him and that when the time was right, he would call Ney.

He supported us greatly when we, the younger players, arrived. He always gave us a lot of encouragement. It will be an honor to play with him again. And God willing, let it be a great last dance," Vinícius concluded.