Vini Jr. takes starring role for Brazil as Ancelotti become…
Vini Jr. is Brazil's new star and Ancelotti has lit the warning light
Four goals and an assist in two games show that the number 20 has taken on the starring role that Brazil has lacked since 2014, under Ancelotti's management.
Brazil finally has a new attacking star after 12 years of drought. Vinícius Júnior, under Carlo Ancelotti's guidance, has taken on the starring role with four goals and an assist in two matches, replicating Neymar's feat at the 2014 World Cup and reigniting hopes of titles for the national team. opened the scoring with a long-range strike in the 11th minute.
At 35 minutes, he doubled the lead after a Rodrygo cross, sealing his first brace in the yellow shirt. Three days later, against Scotland, the number 20 scored twice — at 10 and 61 minutes — and also provided an assist for Endrick's goal at 77 minutes, in a display of creativity and efficiency. has already contributed directly to five goals (four goals, one assist) in just two games for the national team, matching Neymar’s tally at the 2014 World Cup, when the then number 10 scored four goals and provided an assist in five matches.
The comparison is no coincidence: both moments represent the rediscovery of an attacking Brazil, with players capable of deciding games on their own. into a key attacking player. The Italian manager adjusted the number 20’s positioning, freeing him to play closer to goal and exploit his speed and dribbling in tight spaces.
The partnership with Rodrygo and Endrick has also been decisive, creating an attacking dynamic reminiscent of the days of Jairzinho, Romário, Ronaldo, and Rivaldo. ’s evolution is not just tactical but also psychological. After recent criticism over his consistency in high-pressure games, the number 20 responded with performances that redefined his role in the team.
Ancelotti’s confidence and the freedom to make mistakes without excessive criticism have created an environment where the player can thrive. This maturity, combined with refined technique, has put Brazil in an unprecedented position since Neymar’s departure: an attack with three clear goal-scoring options, capable of alternating between speed, precision, and creativity. Brazil’s current attacking dynamic harks back to the golden era of the 1970s, when the country dominated with players who combined skill and efficiency.
, Rodrygo, and Endrick form a trio already being compared to historic triumvirates like Jairzinho, Pelé, and Rivellino in 1970. The difference today is adaptability: while teams of that era relied on an absolute leader, today’s Brazil has a more balanced collective, with each player capable of taking on the starring role in decisive moments. has the ability to change games on his own.
He’s the type of player who can decide a match at any moment,” said CBF’s technical coordinator, Eduardo Oliveira, in an interview with UOL. ” Ancelotti’s influence on the Brazilian national team goes beyond simply repositioning Vini Jr. The Italian manager brought a new philosophy to the game, valuing creativity, freedom, and player responsibility.
, Rodrygo, and Endrick, to develop a more daring and attacking style capable of surprising opponents and deciding matches in Brazil’s favour. , Rodrygo, and Endrick is not just about individual skill but also chemistry and understanding on the pitch. The trio has developed a mutual understanding that allows them to move in sync, creating goal-scoring opportunities and confusing opposing defenders.
This synergy is crucial for Brazil’s success in international tournaments, where the ability to create clear chances is essential to winning. What’s next With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Brazil needs to confirm this new identity. Upcoming fixtures include friendlies against Morocco and Spain in June, as well as matches in the South American qualifiers.
will be central to the planning, but the challenge will be maintaining consistency in a team still rebuilding after the Neymar era. Read at Trivela
Why this matters
Vini Jr.’s rise represents more than just a change of guard in Brazil’s attack: it proves the national team can reinvent itself without relying on a single player. At a time when global football demands versatility and creativity, Brazil has found in Ancelotti and the number 20 a combination capable of reigniting hopes of titles. If sustained, this dynamic could return the country to the top of world football, especially in a World Cup that promises to be open to new forces. The ability to score in critical moments, combined with tactical and psychological maturity, places Brazil at a different level from recent years, when the team’s reliance on Neymar was evident.
Frequently asked
Has Vini Jr. already surpassed Neymar’s World Cup goal tally?
No. Neymar scored four goals and provided an assist at the 2014 World Cup in five matches. Vini Jr. matched that tally in just two games, but he has not yet played in a World Cup edition.
How did Ancelotti change Vini Jr.’s positioning?
Ancelotti adjusted Vini Jr. to play closer to goal, exploiting his speed and dribbling in tight spaces. Freeing him to operate between the lines and partnering him with Rodrygo and Endrick were key to the transformation.
What are Brazil’s next games with Vini Jr. as the focal point?
Brazil face Morocco and Spain in friendlies in June, as well as matches in the South American qualifiers. CBF has indicated that Vini Jr. will be central to the planning for the 2026 World Cup.
Can Vini Jr. become Brazil’s new star after Neymar?
Recent performances suggest he could. With four goals and an assist in two games, he has already matched Neymar’s 2014 tally. However, consistency in high-level tournaments still needs to be proven.
What has been Ancelotti’s biggest contribution to Vini Jr.’s development?
Ancelotti identified Vini Jr.’s potential to play as a false nine or left winger, freeing him to exploit spaces and create decisive plays. The manager’s confidence in the player and tactical adjustments were crucial.
How does the partnership with Rodrygo and Endrick impact Brazil’s attack?
The combination of Vini Jr., Rodrygo, and Endrick creates a versatile attacking trio capable of alternating between speed, dribbling, and finishing. This dynamic allows Brazil to exploit different tactical systems, making the attack unpredictable and difficult to mark.
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