March 31, 2025 – Once the heartbeat of Real Madrid’s attack, Vinicius Jr. has seen his commanding presence at the club take a noticeable dip this season. The Brazilian star, a former Ballon d’Or contender, isn’t dominating the headlines—or the pitch—like he did in 2024. With Kylian Mbappe now stealing the show at the Santiago Bernabeu, questions are swirling about Vinicius’s role in this stacked Real Madrid squad.
A Star Eclipsed by New Talent
It’s hard to argue against Vinicius Jr.’s importance to Real Madrid. Last season, alongside Jude Bellingham, he was the driving force behind their LaLiga and Champions League triumphs, racking up dazzling numbers that had fans chanting his name. Fast forward to 2025, and things look different. Mbappe’s arrival has shifted the dynamic—his 33 goals this campaign dwarf Vinicius’s 19, a drop from the Brazilian’s 24 last year. Sure, Vinicius has upped his assist game with 10 so far, but that spark? It’s not shining as bright.
From Ballon d’Or Buzz to Background Role
Just months ago, Vinicius was a shoo-in for the Ballon d’Or, a symbol of his peak influence at Real Madrid. Now, that chatter has faded. Mbappe’s red-hot form has turned heads, and Vinicius isn’t the go-to guy anymore. He’s still a big name in the locker room, no doubt—his flair and fight keep him relevant—but the pecking order has shifted. With only 19 goals and a less electric edge, he’s not leading the charge like he once did.
Can Vinicius Bounce Back?
This isn’t a crisis yet for Real Madrid. Vinicius remains a key piece in Carlo Ancelotti’s puzzle, and his assist tally shows he’s adapting. But as the Champions League knockout stages loom, the pressure’s on. Big games demand big performances, and Vinicius will need to rediscover that magic to prove he’s still a force. Mbappe might be the main man now, but if Real want to defend their European crown, they’ll need Vinicius firing on all cylinders alongside him.
A Test of Team Dynamics
The rise of Mbappe doesn’t mean Vinicius is out of the picture—it’s more about balance. LaLiga is a marathon, and Real Madrid’s attack thrives when everyone clicks. Vinicius’s dip in influence could just be a blip, a natural shift as the squad adjusts to its new superstar. Come the business end of 2025, his response will tell us everything—can he reclaim that commanding presence, or will he settle into a supporting role?
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