Vinicius Junior Faces Backlash After Brazil’s Defeat to Paraguay: Calls for Ballon d’Or Exclusion Intensify

Vinicius Junior is facing fierce criticism from Brazilian fans after a lackluster performance in Brazil’s 1-0 loss to Paraguay in a CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifier. The Real Madrid winger, who was expected to play a pivotal role, struggled throughout the match and was criticized for his invisibility on the pitch.

The Match and Its Fallout

During the game, Vinicius failed to make a significant impact, and despite some moments of potential in the second half, his efforts were insufficient to secure a point for Brazil. His performance, or lack thereof, has drawn severe backlash from frustrated supporters who feel he did not justify his high profile.

Fan Reactions

The reaction from Brazilian fans has been harsh. Many are questioning Vinicius’s suitability for the Ballon d’Or, with some even describing a potential win as the “biggest crime in the history of the sport.”

One fan on X (formerly Twitter), @ney2maa, expressed outrage: “We cannot let someone like Vinicius, who ghosts for his national team every single game, win the Ballon d’Or. It would be the biggest crime in the history of the sport.”

Another user, @EifSoccer, criticized Vinicius’s international performances compared to his club success: “Not even an exaggeration – Vinicius has to be one of the worst international performers in football history relative to his club performances. We are talking about a Ballon d’Or future winner. He has never performed for Brazil. At this point, how can Brazil play him?”

Further criticism came from @Ollican: “There’s a reason Zidane always benched him. Vinicius has been atrocious under every manager in his career except Ancelotti. This isn’t even him being a system player, which is disastrous in itself but an issue of skillset. Once he flukes that Ballon d’Or, it’s toast tbh. Smh 🤦🏾‍♀️”

@SelecaoTalk highlighted Vinicius’s lack of involvement: “Vinicius Jr touching the ball just 37 times in a game where Brazil have 70%+ possession is extremely worrying. It’s not like he’s trying things and they aren’t working. He’s just not involved at all.”

Manchester City fan @Siphe_Sihle1 compared his performances: “Yet people say he should win the Ballon d’Or. Absolutely pathetic. Rodri does it for club and country.”

The Bigger Picture

Brazil’s defeat has seen them drop to fifth place in the CONMEBOL standings, having now lost four of their eight qualifying matches. Despite this, they remain in contention for a World Cup spot, with the top six teams qualifying for the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

What’s Next for Vinicius?

Following this disappointing international break, Vinicius Junior will return to Real Madrid, where he will aim to rediscover his form under Carlo Ancelotti. The winger remains a crucial part of Los Blancos’ squad and will be looking to bounce back as they prepare to face Real Sociedad in their upcoming La Liga fixture.
Vinicius Junior’s recent performance for Brazil in their 1-0 loss to Paraguay during the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers has sparked significant criticism from fans and pundits alike. The Real Madrid winger, who was anticipated to play a key role, failed to leave a mark on the game, leading to a wave of backlash from the Brazilian football community.

### Match Performance and Fan Backlash

Vinicius Junior struggled to influence the match, often appearing isolated and ineffective on the field. Despite a few moments of promise in the second half, his overall impact was minimal. Fans, frustrated by his underwhelming display, have voiced their dissatisfaction on social media platforms.

### Fan Reactions

The criticism has been particularly severe, with many questioning Vinicius’s candidacy for the Ballon d’Or. One fan, @ney2maa, harshly commented, “We cannot let someone like Vinicius, who ghosts for his national team every single game, win the Ballon d’Or. It would be the biggest crime in the history of the sport.”

Another user, @EifSoccer, noted the stark contrast between Vinicius’s club and international performances, stating, “Vinicius has to be one of the worst international performers in football history relative to his club performances… He has never performed for Brazil.”

Some fans, like @Ollican, pointed out that Vinicius has struggled under various managers except for Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, implying deeper concerns about his skillset and adaptability: “There’s a reason Zidane always benched him… Once he flukes that Ballon d’Or, it’s toast tbh.”

Others highlighted his lack of involvement in the game, with @SelecaoTalk noting, “Vinicius Jr touching the ball just 37 times in a game where Brazil have 70%+ possession is extremely worrying.”

### Impact on Brazil and Vinicius’s Future

Brazil’s defeat to Paraguay has dropped them to fifth place in the CONMEBOL standings, having lost four of their eight qualifying matches. Although they are still in contention for a World Cup spot, the loss has increased pressure on both the team and players like Vinicius to perform.

As Vinicius Junior returns to Real Madrid, he faces the challenge of regaining his form and proving his critics wrong. With an upcoming La Liga match against Real Sociedad, he will look to capitalize on his club’s environment under Ancelotti, where he has previously thrived.