The former midfielder of the French and Arsenal team, Emmanuel Petit, says that the Brazilian winger is far from the level which earned him second place in the Ballon d'Or last year and also says he is upset by the fact that Kylian Mbappé is now the Real Madrid star. Petit also suggested that speculation on a transfer to Saudi Arabia play a role in the drop in performance by Vinicius.
Petit told Gffn: ” Last season, Vinicius Junior was fighting for the Ballon d'Or. Where is he really? He is no longer there. Is he distracted by the offer he received from Saudi Arabia? Probably. Is it distracted by the fact that Mbappé is now the star of the team? Maybe too. But I think he is very far from his level, and he is not the only one in the starting eleven. »»
Vinícius Júnior is no longer the same this season
Vinicius experienced difficulties in 2025, having registered only six goals in 24 appearances for Real since the beginning of the year.
The rumors of a Saudi transfer have multiplied in recent weeks, even if we have recently mentioned its possible maintenance among the Spanish giants.
Vinicius should play on Wednesday, while Real aims to reverse the situation after his 3-0 defeat in the quarter-final of the Champions League against Arsenal. On Sunday, they will receive the Athletic Club in Liga, the Carlo Ancelotti team still being looking for a hat -trick.
