Can Real Madrid Brazilian Winger Return to Form During the 26-27 Season?
Vinícius Júnior entered the 2026-27 season with a new contract, a new manager, and high expectations after a solid 2026 World Cup performance. Just weeks later, the Brazilian winger is already facing questions about whether he can rediscover the form that made him one of Real Madrid's most important players. The 26-year-old signed a new contract with Real Madrid in August that will keep him at the club through June 2032. The agreement ended months of speculation about his future and reaffirmed the club's belief that he remains central to its long-term plans.
His recent performances, however, have not matched those expectations. The Real Madrid attacker has scored just once in his first several appearances of the 2026-27 campaign and has recorded three assists. In the early stages of the season, he has also struggled to influence games consistently in the way Madrid supporters have become accustomed to seeing. His slow start has become more noticeable because Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler have been producing more consistently. The Brazilian's own comments after the Elche match showed that he understands the criticism. Vinícius admitted that he has been missing too many chances and said he believes the goals will return. Against Elche, he created several chances but couldn't turn his involvement into a goal.
José Mourinho has also acknowledged that the two-time Champions League winner needs to find another level. The Portuguese manager has praised his overall contribution but wants to see more of the decisive attacking qualities that previously made him one of Madrid's most dangerous players. That has created an interesting debate among Madrid supporters. Some fans have questioned since before this summer whether the club should offer Viní Jr. such a long and expensive contract, especially since his role in attack has become less dominant after Mbappé's arrival. This debate continued after the 26-year-old signed his contract in August. Fans want the winger who took Europe by storm and nearly won the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
There is also a reasonable argument on the other side. The Brazilian international has already proven what he can do at the highest level. He has scored in two Champions League Finals, won 14 trophies with Real Madrid, and was named The Best FIFA Men's Player in 2024. The club's decision to extend his contract was based on years of production rather than a few difficult weeks. The challenge now is finding a way for Vinícius and Mbappé to consistently bring out the best in each other. As Mourinho tries to establish his system, the Real Madrid star has another chance to regain his place as one of the team's primary attacking threats. A slow start does not erase what the Real Madrid forward has accomplished. However, with a contract through 2032 and expectations remaining extremely high, the Brazilian will need to rediscover his best form soon.
