Vinicius: Boos? Only on-Pitch performance can change everything; Yamal can decide games

In an interview with Cazé TV, Brazilian star Vinicius, said that he is currently in his best physical, technical, and mental state, and is ready for the World Cup. Speaking of popular teams, he is optimistic about Brazil, Spain, Portugal, France, and Argentina, especially praising the decisive influence of Yamal and Messi.

You've said before that the 2022 World Cup exit hit you particularly hard. You even said at the time, "I want to leave there immediately." Was it difficult for you to be in that environment?

Vinicius: Of course. People who haven't experienced it can't imagine how important and special the World Cup is. Being eliminated from the World Cup was the worst day of my life. Because I live for football, to play well, to do great things, and to represent my country with all my might.

After losing, seeing everyone so sad, fans disappointed in us, and we ourselves knowing that we could have done better, that we could have won that World Cup – all of this is deeply etched in my mind. I don't want to experience it again.

But I'm also happy that I have another chance to represent my country and do better.

That's the beauty of football. In club games, you have a chance to prove yourself again every three days. But the World Cup is only once every four years. It's too long, you have to work very hard and pray not to get injured.

And I've done everything right. I haven't been injured, and I hope not to be injured before the World Cup. I've played the whole season, and now, whether physically, technically, or mentally, I'm in my best version, and I'm ready to play a great World Cup.

Do you think this World Cup will be "your World Cup"? Or would you prefer to share this responsibility?

Vinicius: I never shy away from responsibility. When I was a child, I took on the responsibility of changing my family's destiny. Later, in the world of football, at Flamengo, I was the most dazzling new talent, facing huge expectations in every game.

Then I came to Real Madrid, the club with the most pressure in the world. I've experienced highs and lows. People used to say I wouldn't have a future at Real Madrid, that I wouldn't score goals, that I wouldn't win championships.

Later, I broke those prejudices step by step. There was also the issue of the over 40 million euro transfer fee at the time; many people said I was too expensive, but I always said it was actually very cheap. In the end, it proved to be worth it because I won championships.

Now, I've been among the top ten players in the world for five or six consecutive seasons, which continuously increases my responsibility. And this responsibility is exactly what I want.

Because I know I can be stronger, I can improve. I don't know my limits because my goals are always high. And now, there are not many days left until the World Cup.

Are you starting to get nervous?

Vinicius: Not yet. I'm very calm right now. I'm just focusing on daily training at Real Madrid, trying to stay in shape and not get injured. I haven't been injured all season. This is truly a dream season. It's so hard to go a whole season without getting injured. I played 56, 57 games and only missed one due to suspension. Other than that, I've always been there.

Even though I've taken a lot of kicks this season, experienced ups and downs, and received a lot of boos, I still stepped up and took responsibility. Because I know my responsibility, and the only place I can change everything is on the field.

Top 5 favorites for the World Cup? Not in order.

Vinicius: Brazil. And Spain, Portugal...

Why Spain?

Vinicius: They won the European Championship, this team has been playing together for a long time, and they have Yamal, who is one of the best players in the world and can always do incredible things on the field. He's the kind of player who could win the World Cup by himself. And Pedri, they have a lot of good players.

You've had so many big matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona, is it particularly difficult to play against Yamal?

Vinicius: Yes, very difficult. He's the kind of player where you're playing on the other side and you look at him and say, "Damn, how can this kid not stop?" Talking about Barcelona players is always sensitive because then both sets of fans will start arguing. But we must respect the excellent players on the field.

People buy tickets to watch the best players play, and Yamal is one of those players worth buying tickets to see. But once the game starts, we just want to win against them, everyone fights for their own team.

Of course, you still trash-talk each other, right?

Vinicius: Absolutely (laughs). But after the game, we still shake hands and go our separate ways. I also believe he appreciates Real Madrid players and other good players. Football is different now. Before, it seemed like people couldn't publicly praise opponents, but now we are more open.

I think they also talk about me, about Mbappé, about Bellingham, about Valverde. These players have already achieved a lot, so I don't think there's any problem with players talking about each other.

Why are you optimistic about Portugal?

Vinicius: After all, Cristiano Ronaldo is still there (laughs), he's always important. And Vitinha, João Neves, they are also among the best players today. I also really like Nuno Mendes. And Leão, he's my brother. I have a good relationship with Félix too.

Imagine facing Ronaldo in the World Cup knockout stage, that would be crazy.

Vinicius: It's possible in the knockout stage, but then he'd have to lose (laughs). No way, we have to win. But he'll understand. He's our idol, but he'll understand.

And France?

Vinicius: Yes, France. Because they've reached the last two World Cup finals. They have Mbappé, and Dembélé, who has also been too strong for the past two seasons.

And the last one?

Vinicius: England is also strong, with Bellingham. But in the end, I still choose Argentina, because they are the defending champions, the team is very confident now, and they still have Messi. As long as Messi is there, it's always different. You never know what he's going to do.

Who is the biggest gossip in your locker room? Who, when they sit down, you know there's going to be a good story?

Vinicius: Militao, no doubt. Such a gossip (laughs). We even send each other gossip in chat apps. He lives next door to me and often comes directly to my house to tell me gossip.

What do you eat for breakfast?

Vinicius: Bread with scrambled eggs. Water.

Do you stay on your phone all night?

Vinicius: Playing games.

Do you still train in the afternoon?

Vinicius: Yes, it depends. Sometimes physical therapy, sometimes more strength training. The first gym session is more about warming up, getting the body ready to work, like a machine. After that, it's basically straight to gaming. Four hours straight. I'm good at many games. But there are still people better than me.

I should be better than you at Call of Duty.

Vinicius: I'm really not that good at that.

FIFA?

Vinicius: I've only lost once.

And dinner?

Vinicius: Strictly controlled diet. My meals are already prepared in advance. Five out of seven days I eat fish. I don't like it much, but I have to eat it. And various vitamins, and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Wearing a mask, sleeping in it for two hours. It's all for body recovery.

But you still don't go to bed early.

Vinicius: Yes, I'm still working on that.

Didn't Casemiro used to say that players should watch less social media? Do you constantly scroll?

Vinicius: I watch short videos, and then send funny stuff to my friends. Chat apps are mainly for talking and joking with friends.

Does anyone send you those super long motivational messages?

Vinicius: I dread that the most. Seeing long texts before a game is unbearable. I prefer simple ones like: "Good luck, we support you." Those are the best.

Finally, Vinicius called out to Brazilian fans:

The World Cup is a special moment. Usually, Vasco da Gama fans and Flamengo fans rarely stand together, but during the World Cup, everyone will support Brazil together for the first time. I know we've disappointed everyone many times over the years, but now is the time for everyone to unite.

If we win the championship, Brazil will be like a carnival in July. So I hope everyone supports us. If we win, I'll help everyone apply for a week's vacation (laughs).