There’s Something (different) About Vinicius

Real Madrid’s Brazilian star appears to be showing a newer side of himself, and fans, as well as teammates and manager, are going to benefit.

Like Las Vegas, like The Truman Show. It happened with Vinicius Junior, making his debut as captain against Real Sociedad. A series of absences shifted the hierarchy, and the armband finally landed on him. Luka Modric and Lucas Vázquez started on the bench, while Federico Valverde and Dani Carvajal were unavailable. And so, oh captain, my captain — Vinicius. A different player.

Because on this night, his image was that of a footballer almost entirely free from controversy, a leader, and above all, a tireless worker. Especially so. That “commitment” Carlo Ancelotti so often talks about was amplified. The power of an armband.

“After so many years, wearing the captain’s armband was incredibly special. A proud moment for me and my entire family. Just getting to the club of my dreams was already a lot, but to keep fulfilling dreams... it’s unbelievable. I hope I can keep doing it for a long time. I’m leaving tonight feeling so happy to have been the captain of the biggest club in the world. It’s something inexplicable, something you never imagine could happen. I have no words,” he said in the mixed zone, beaming from ear to ear. A perfect ending to his night.

One Vinicius for all

A night in which he led the recovery that launched the counterattack for the winning goal. That moment summed up his performance perfectly. He didn’t score, he didn’t assist. But he put in the hard yards. And that is typically the opposite of what defines Vinicius, just as it is with so many superstars in football’s pantheon.

He drifted into central positions more than ever, almost playing in Jude Bellingham’s role. By full-time, he had played more passes in the final third (13) than anyone else and had made three ball recoveries, his best tally of the season.

Yet, he didn’t neglect his attacking instincts: he registered more shots than anyone, tied with Bellingham (4), and also shared the lead for shots on target (2). Armband on, Vinicius became the team’s spokesperson. He engaged with referee José María Sánchez Martínez, debated with Mikel Oyarzabal — captain to captain — and took the lead in stopping the game when hateful chants were directed at Asensio (“Die!”). He embodied what it means to wear the armband. There had been doubts over whether the status would suit him. But it didn’t weigh him down.

Vini chasing 300

Now, onto another milestone. Against Real Betis, Vinicius will play his 300th game for Real Madrid. If Valverde doesn’t feature, he will match him. And he is already closing in on club legends: Pepe (334), Casemiro (336), Vicente del Bosque (339), Martín Vázquez (343), and Iván Helguera (346), among others.

“Coming to Real Madrid at such a young age and playing so many games was something I couldn’t have dreamed of, it was unimaginable. Soon I’ll reach 300, but I want more. I want 400, 500. I hope I can make history at this club,” he said deep inside the Reale Arena.

He insists he’s staying. Ignoring the siren calls from Saudi Arabia, as tempting as an opera. Vinicius wants to stay at Real Madrid. Full stop.

Word of a captain. And a workhorse.