During the 1-1 draw between Brazil and Venezuela in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers last Thursday, Vinícius Jr had a tricky evening. After winning a penalty in the second half, the Real Madrid striker was denied by goalkeeper Rafael Romo. He missed a crucial opportunity to restore the Seleção’s lead. A target of criticism in his homeland, the Casa Blanca number can count on the support of Kylian Mbappé.
In a downward spiral, Vinicius Jr is still not getting it right with Brazil. While he has everyone in agreement at Real Madrid, the star is constantly criticised for his performances with the Seleção. Against Venezuela last Thursday, he missed the chance to help Brazil to victory.
After winning a penalty in the second half, Vinicius Jr missed the target horribly on two occasions, shocking all Brazilians. Fans and analysts were quick to react. On social networks, many fans expressed their anger and felt that Raphinha, who scored the superb free-kick that opened the scoring, should have taken responsibility for taking the penalty.
For many, Vinícius Jr, despite his status as a rising star, was not the best choice to take the penalty. The scathing comments soon multiplied, particularly on social networks. “He lacks composure in these decisive moments. It’s not the first time he’s disappointed in a Brazil shirt,” the comments read. Some fans even suggested that the miss symbolised a worrying trend for a player who is supposed to embody the future of the Seleção.
Unexpected support, Kylian Mbappé enters the scene
While Vinícius Jr is facing a wave of criticism, an unexpected supporter has come forward: Kylian Mbappé. According to Defensa Central, the French star sent a personal message to his Real Madrid team-mate to cheer him up. “Now it’s time to raise your head and keep fighting, my brother,” Mbappé reportedly wrote to Vini.
This intervention by the Tricolor striker is intriguing, as it exposes the friendship and mutual respect between the two players, who play in an ultra-competitive environment in Madrid. However, during the last La Liga match against Osasuna, images showed a possible altercation between the two strikers. In any case, beyond this controversy, Brazil, third in the qualifying standings with 17 points, will have to turn the page quickly. With a five-point gap over leaders Argentina, the Seleção must bounce back in their next match against Uruguay on Tuesday 19 November.
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