How A Player Who "Couldn't Shoot" Became The Best & Most Hated In Europe

Summary

Vinícius Júnior’s journey from a controversial 45 million euro signing at 16 to one of the world’s most explosive talents is a story of resilience and defiance. Initially mocked and dubbed the 'new Negueba,' he overcame harsh criticism, injuries, and racial abuse to prove his doubters wrong. Despite a rough start at Real Madrid, his work ethic and remarkable performances, including crucial goals in the Champions League, transformed him into a key player. As his fame rose, so did the hate, but Vinícius continued to thrive, inspiring awe on the field and capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.

Takeaways

• 😀 Real Madrid’s initial signing of Vinicius Jr from Flamengo was met with skepticism in Brazil, with many considering it the 'biggest heist in football history'.
• 😀 Despite limited playing time and unimpressive performances, Real Madrid decided to invest 45 million euros in Vinicius Jr, making him the most expensive underage player in history.
• 😀 Vinicius Jr was highly touted in Brazil, having been compared to Robinho at a young age and consistently dominating at youth levels.
• 😀 Barcelona was initially seen as the frontrunner to sign Vinicius Jr, but Real Madrid stepped in with an aggressive offer to outbid them.
• 😀 His early performances for Real Madrid were underwhelming, leading to public criticism and jokes, including the nickname 'Neguebinha' referencing a former underperforming Brazilian player.
• 😀 Despite the negative attention, Vinicius used the criticism as motivation, turning his performances around with impressive displays, including scoring twice and leading Flamengo to major trophies.
• 😀 Vinicius struggled with injury and pressure during his first few seasons at Real Madrid, with moments of self-doubt and harsh criticism from fans and teammates alike.
• 😀 His resilience eventually paid off, as his game improved under coach Carlo Ancelotti, and he became a key player in Real Madrid's success, especially alongside Karim Benzema.
• 😀 Despite facing racial abuse from fans and intense media scrutiny, Vinicius Jr. proved his worth, scoring decisive goals and becoming a regular star for Real Madrid.
• 😀 Vinicius' journey exemplifies perseverance through adversity, with him overcoming early setbacks, racial discrimination, and injury to become one of the best players in the world.
• 😀 Even though Vinicius faced constant hate and doubt, his undeniable talent and work ethic led to massive achievements, including scoring the winning goal in a Champions League final and becoming one of Real Madrid’s best performers.

Q & A

Why did many people in Brazil think Real Madrid was scammed when they signed Vinicius Jr.?

Many people in Brazil thought Real Madrid was scammed because Vinicius Jr. had only played one game for Flamengo, which was not impressive. Despite that, Real Madrid paid 45 million euros, making him the most expensive underaged player at the time. His performance was seen as unproven, leading to doubts about his potential.

What made Real Madrid decide to sign Vinicius Jr. despite his lack of experience?

Real Madrid's decision was driven by their intense rivalry with Barcelona. Vinicius had gained significant attention after a few standout performances at youth level, including his dominance in Brazilian youth football and his incredible performances at the under-15 South American Championship. Real Madrid was keen to outbid Barcelona and secure his signature to avoid missing out on another talent like they did with Neymar.

What were the early challenges Vinicius faced after joining Real Madrid?

Upon joining Real Madrid, Vinicius struggled to meet expectations. He had poor performances in his early appearances, leading to criticism from fans and media. His first few matches were disappointing, and he was even dropped from the squad, with some pundits predicting he would never succeed at Real Madrid.

What was the nickname given to Vinicius by critics, and why?

Vinicius was nicknamed 'Neguebinha' by critics, a reference to a former Flamengo player named Negueba who was hyped up but failed to live up to expectations. The name was used to mock Vinicius, suggesting he would suffer a similar downfall, and it became a symbol of the harsh criticism he faced during his early struggles.

How did Vinicius Jr. respond to the criticism and nickname 'Neguebinha'?

Vinicius responded to the criticism and nickname by using it as motivation to prove his worth. In his next match, he scored twice, earning the man of the match award. This marked the beginning of his resurgence, and he started to regain the confidence of fans and teammates.

What was the turning point in Vinicius' career at Real Madrid?

The turning point in Vinicius' career came when he regained his form and confidence after a tough period. Under coach Carlo Ancelotti, Vinicius became more consistent and improved his decision-making. His partnership with Karim Benzema blossomed, making them one of the best attacking duos in football.

How did Vinicius' performances improve after Ancelotti's arrival?

Under Ancelotti, Vinicius' decision-making improved dramatically, and he became one of the most consistent players at Real Madrid. He scored and assisted regularly, and his performances earned him accolades, including being named the best player at Real Madrid and receiving the league's player of the month award.

What challenges did Vinicius face off the pitch, particularly regarding racism?

Vinicius faced significant racist abuse from fans, including monkey chants during matches. This continued to escalate, especially in El Clasico and against other teams, making him a target for racial discrimination. Despite this, Vinicius persisted and refused to let the abuse affect his performances on the field.

How did Vinicius perform in key matches, despite facing criticism and racism?

Vinicius consistently delivered standout performances in crucial matches, such as scoring decisive goals against teams like Man City and PSG. He played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's successes, including their Champions League victories, and proved his worth despite the ongoing criticism and challenges off the field.

What was the reaction to Vinicius' performances after he became a key player for Real Madrid?

As Vinicius became a key player for Real Madrid, some pundits and fans who had previously criticized him were forced to acknowledge his talent. However, racism still persisted, with some fans mocking his celebrations and accusing him of using racism as an excuse. Despite this, Vinicius continued to perform at an elite level and earned recognition for his contributions to Real Madrid's success.