What if the Vinicius Jr version 2024 was finally back in the best of times? For the clash between Brazil and France, scheduled for this Thursday evening at Gillette Stadium, the Real Madrid winger arrives launched as rarely this season. Author of 17 goals and 9 assists in all competitions, the Brazilian has found impressive sensations in recent weeks, notably with 6 goals in the month of February alone and two consecutive doubles against Manchester City then Atlético de Madrid in March. In his last 11 matches, he has totaled 10 goals, proof of a spectacular return to form on the part of the native of São Gonçalo.
After the Madrid derby (3-2), where he scored another double, Vinicius savored, without getting excited: “I’m really happy with the match we played. We dominated from the start, but we conceded a goal. But… we are progressing, we are working hard for matches like this. (…) The credit goes to everyone: the coach, the players and the supporters. » Before adding about his personal performance: “I worked all season for matches like this. I score and I make assists. That’s why we’re here. » A dynamic praised by his trainer, Álvaro Arbeloa, who was impressed: “another exceptional match from him. A new demonstration of his talent, his courage and his audacity. I don’t know if it’s the best moment of his career, but it’s not far from it. »
The Vinicius–Mbappé duel is on!
This rise in power comes at the ideal time for the Seleção. A few months before the 2026 World Cup, Vinicius presents himself as the main offensive weapon of a Brazil in search of certainty. And the player is aware of it. Present at a press conference on Wednesday, the man who has 45 caps (8 goals) tempered expectations while displaying his ambitions: “I think we are not favorites because of the qualifying results. All that was missing was the right chemistry. » Now under the orders of Carlo Ancelotti in the selection, the Brazilian benefits from the total confidence of his mentor, who is full of praise for him: “Vinicius has never disappointed in important matches. I am convinced that he will have an excellent World Cup. Vinicius is humble, cheerful and extraordinarily talented. » A status as an offensive leader that he will have to assume from Thursday against the Blues, just like his compatriot Raphinha.
Because this meeting against the France team has a particular flavor for the Madrid striker. On the American pitch at Gillette Stadium, he will meet several Real Madrid teammates, including Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga. A duel between friends, but there’s no question of letting up: “There is no friendly match, even in training, we don’t want to lose. We are close to the World Cup, each goal or result brings more confidence. » Vinicius also assumes the spectacular potential of the poster: “It will be a very open match. No one will want to just defend. It will be a good test for us. » On the pitch, his expected face-to-face with the French defense, and in particular Malo Gusto on the right flank, promises sparks as the Brazilian winger appears today in full confidence, buoyed by his speed and his incredible ability to make differences.
Finally, it is difficult not to mention the Madrid context in which Vinicius evolves. If his understanding with Mbappé remains scrutinized, some observers note that the Brazilian seems even more influential in the offensive game in the absence of the Frenchman. A dynamic which necessarily nourishes the debates before their direct opposition under the colors of their respective selections. But Vinicius prefers to stay focused on the collective: “As long as we are united, we can accomplish great things” For his part, present at a press conference this Wednesday evening, Kylian Mbappé declared about Brazil: “Everyone in this room knows Brazil and what it represents. It is the country that has most inspired world football. They have 5 stars on the jersey, it’s always a challenge to play against a favorite in the final coronation. It’s a pleasure and a real challenge for us. We can’t wait to play, even if we won’t be able to learn much. We have to give everything with this extra motivation. It’s a great match. » One certainty remains: in the midst of a renaissance, the former Flamengo man is heading towards Brazil–France as one of the strong men of the moment, ready to strike a big blow a few months before the world meeting.
