The heat has been on Vinicius Junior in the early part of the 2026/27 season after scoring just one goal in eight competitive games for Real Madrid, with the club battling through an uncharacteristically slow start to be in their worst position (fourth) after seven La Liga rounds since 2017/18.
The Brazilian admitted feeling some responsibility for Real Madrid's early season woes and conceded his own form has taken a toll on him psychologically.
Vini bounced back during the international break to slot the penalty goal that iced Brazil's 4-2 international friendly win over Australia on Tuesday, rolling the ball past Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach despite a stuttering and nervy run-up.
It was just the second penalty goal that Vinicius had scored for his country, with the responsibility usually handed to the currently injured Raphinha, and it was thanks to stand-in penalty-taker Bruno Guimaraes agreeing to forgo his duties at the suggestion of head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
26-year-old Vinicius said he was very thankful for the opportunity to convert the penalty he had won with his own dribble into the box.
"I thought (Bruno would) want to take it, but he knows that I need a bit of confidence right now, in this moment," Vinicius said.
"My teammates know I need some confidence now.
"Losing a World Cup is hard and difficult to accept, and the comeback is never easy."
"Here in the national team, we have no vanity whatsoever," Guimaraes added when asked about the goal.
"Vini really needed to score a goal. He took it very well. We have no vanity whatsoever.
"We want what's best for Brazil. We're happy for him and it's about continuing the work."
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti called for everybody involved to show Vinicius some "patience", describing him as "a key player for the future."
Is he at his best right now? No, he isn't, but it is the start of the season," Ancelotti added.
"And Vini, always, even when he isn't at his best, he can still make the difference, just as he did today.
"The goal that really opened up the game was thanks to him. So, I'm going to be very patient, because he deserves that patience."
Aaron Murphy has been with Flashscore since 2018 and, as the founding editor of the Australian newsdesk, has reported on-site at several major events in Melbourne including the Australian Open, State of Origin, A-League, NBL and international cricket. You can read his pieces here and contact him on X or LinkedIn.
