English Premier League
Vinicius Junior mocked after wayward Brazil training shot lands in car park
Vinicius Junior has become the subject of renewed criticism after an errant shot during training flew over the crossbar and landed in the car park beside the pitch.
The incident has added to growing concerns about the sudden decline in the Real Madrid forward’s form, with his performances now attracting increasing scrutiny around Santiago Bernabeu.
Videos of Vinicius wearing the Brazil shirt have circulated widely in recent days. Some were recorded during matches, where he struggled to complete dribbles and had less influence in attack, while others showed him missing straightforward chances in training.
The latest clip has attracted the most attention. During a Brazil training session, Vinicius received the ball near the edge of the penalty area before striking high and well over the goal. The effort travelled so far that it came down in the car park next to the training ground.
A cry could be heard from someone in the area, believed to be the person struck by the ball.
The episode took place during one of a series of individual sessions arranged for Vinicius as concerns over his form have intensified. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, along with Jose Mourinho, acknowledge that the Brazilian is not currently at his best technically or mentally, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.
Ancelotti has therefore placed Vinicius on a tailored training programme focused specifically on improving his finishing and his work in front of goal. The car-park incident occurred during one of those sessions, increasing the pressure on the forward rather than easing it.
That pressure has also been heightened by the terms of his new contract. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez recently extended Vinicius’ deal until 2032 in an agreement worth about 24m euros per year.
The contract makes him the second-highest-paid player at the club, behind French forward Kylian Mbappe.
Before this downturn, Vinicius was renowned for using his pace and skill to unsettle Europe’s leading defences. Since signing the new deal, however, his form has dropped sharply and unexpectedly, leaving him facing unprecedented levels of pressure from supporters and the media.