Vinicius Jr faces €125m Real Madrid nightmare after devastating 'collapse'

2 Oct 2026 19:02 BST 3 min read

Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid, 2026/27 — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Writer

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Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr is at one of the lowest points of his career and faces the looming spectre of being replaced by Yan Diomande.

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The Brazil international has endured a difficult start to the new season. While a lot of Real Madrid players have underperformed, his drop-off in performance levels has been particularly noticeable.

Indeed, Spanish outlet AS writes that his form slump "seems like a collapse." The 26-year-old is "far from his best" and "lacks that spark that ignites fire on the wings." In short, he has lost his explosiveness and attacking threat.

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In terms of his attacking output, he is on the worst run of form since his early years at Real Madrid, when he was still a teenager and getting to grips with European football. His decline has been tremendous.

Getting away from Real Madrid hasn't arrested his poor form. Vini has been a huge disappointment for Brazil during this international break. He has "lacked firepower" and "looked slower" than usual in the Selecao's two-game series against Australia.

Mourinho stills back Vini - but for how much longer?

Everyone, from Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti to the players, knows that the winger is having a tough time right now. That's why, in the second game against the Socceroos, he was allowed to take - and score - a penalty. It was a small gesture aimed at boosting his confidence.

Speaking after the match, Vinicius admitted that this was much needed. Indeed, the above-cited report speaks of this as being his "mea culpa" moment. He knows that he needs to improve and is being self-critical.

At the same time, he does feel that he is being unfairly targeted. He is far from the only Real Madrid player currently underperforming, and the disproportionate criticism he is receiving weighs heavily on him.

The backing Vini is receiving from Real Madrid is virtually "unconditional." Manager Jose Mourinho still "has a faith in him that could almost be described as blind." The Brazilian remains one of the club's untouchables.

Yet, there is no getting around the fact that this is increasingly becoming a problem for Mourinho. In Yan Diomande, he has a €125 million player who is best suited to playing in Vinicius' position, chomping at the bit and waiting to be unleashed.

The spectre of being replaced by the Ivorian looms large. For now, Mourinho continues to back Vini to get out of his form slump, but this can't go on forever. The Portuguese was hired to end Real Madrid's trophy drought.

Trying to beat the well-oiled machine that is Barcelona to silverware will require everyone in Spain's capital to pull their weight. If Vinicius can't do that, then Mourinho will have to make a monumental decision.

Dropping Vini to the bench is no trifling matter. It is akin to a diplomatic incident - as Xabi Alonso found out last season. Mourinho may be better equipped to deal with such a situation, but it could have far-reaching ramifications.

Vinicius snubbed Arsenal to sign a new contract this summer, but the Gunners remain in the market for a marquee left winger. Should the 26-year-old indeed find his place at Real Madrid under threat, he could have an easy escape route.