# Vinicius Junior's Turbulent Season at Real Madrid Performance struggles and disciplinary issues define a challenging period for the Brazilian star. - **Source:** [FourFourTwo](https://www.fourfourtwo.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1d30332f-8d56-470e-98bd-0cbcd3546d4d ## Dramatic Physical and Form Shift Vinicius Junior has faced intense scrutiny following a noticeable change in his facial appearance, which some fans jokingly attribute to cosmetic surgery. This physical transformation coincides with a sharp decline in his on-field output, recording only one goal in nine appearances. The winger's struggles are highlighted by Kylian Mbappe’s superior scoring record. ## Contractual Loyalty and Fan Discontent Despite rumors of a potential move to Arsenal during the summer, Vinicius signed a lucrative six-year deal with Real Madrid. However, this commitment has not shielded him from criticism. Fans continue to jeer the Brazilian, frustrated by his substandard performances and perceived lack of dedication since securing his long-term future at the club. ## The Ego and Ballon d'Or After finishing runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings, Vinicius saw his standing drop to 16th this year. His refusal to attend the awards ceremony upon learning he had not won marked a turning point. This behavior has fueled perceptions that his confidence has shifted from professional ambition into problematic, unmanageable ego. ## Disciplinary Failure Against Villarreal Manager Jose Mourinho benched Vinicius for the Villarreal match, favoring 19-year-old Yan Diomande. When Vinicius entered as a substitute, he was sent off for pulling Nathan Saliba's hair. VAR intervened to overturn a goal he scored, confirming the violent conduct red card, which left the player visibly aggressive toward the match official. ## Consequences of Violent Conduct The straight red card for hair pulling, classified as violent behavior under La Liga rules, resulted in a suspension that forced Vinicius to miss the crucial El Clásico. Real Madrid managed to secure a victory in his absence, largely due to a brace from Kylian Mbappe, further complicating the winger's current status. ## Mourinho’s Psychological Management Style Jose Mourinho is known for his confrontational management style, often targeting specific players to test their mental resilience. While this approach previously motivated players like Samuel Eto’o and Tanguy Ndombele to improve, it has also led to the decline of others, such as Dele Alli and Juan Mata, during his tenure. ## Historical Precedents of Management Mourinho’s history shows a binary outcome for players subjected to his intense pressure tactics. Some players respond by reclaiming their starting roles through improved performance, while others struggle to recover their form. The current dynamic between the manager and Vinicius remains uncertain, with the player’s temperament being a significant variable in this. ## Future Outlook for Vinicius Vinicius currently faces a critical juncture in his career at the Santiago Bernabéu. His recent disciplinary issues and poor goalscoring form suggest he is trending toward becoming a victim of Mourinho’s demanding system rather than a success story. He must demonstrate significant behavioral and professional growth to regain his former elite standing. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.fourfourtwo.com/person/player/vinicius-junior-whats-going-on — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._