Vini Jr opens up 5 days after Brazil's World Cup exit | OneFootball

Brazil’s top scorer at the 2026 World Cup, Vini Jr broke his silence this Friday (10)

Brazil were knocked out early of the World Cup after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Norway. Five days after it happened, the team’s top scorer at the tournament, Vini Jr, spoke out about the elimination this Friday (10).

The forward who came through at Flamengo and now plays for Real Madrid (ESP) used social media to express his frustration over Brazil’s exit. In addition, the No. 7 apologized to the fans, revealed that he needed a few days to process the elimination, and reaffirmed his commitment to chasing the ‘top of the world’.

“Almost four years later and, once again, thinking about what to write after a World Cup disappointment. I saw so many people of all ages supporting me, embracing our dream, that it would be unfair to stay silent, but I needed a few days to reflect,” he wrote, before continuing:

“Wearing the national team shirt is the greatest pride of my life, and going out of a World Cup in the Round of 16 is a feeling that’s hard to explain. I know how much I prepared, how focused I was, how much I wanted this for you and for my family. The feeling of frustration is immense. We had a group strong enough to do more and we couldn’t. I apologize and I will fight for our dream of returning to the top of the world,” Vini Jr concluded.

HAD VINI JR ALREADY SPOKEN OUT AFTER BRAZIL’S ELIMINATION?

Before the post on social media, Vini Jr had already shown how shaken he was and lamented the defeat in an interview right after the final whistle. On that occasion, the player said that coming to terms with the elimination was a delicate moment. He also admitted he had few words to explain the performance on the pitch, since the group failed to make the right plays.

HOW DID THE BRAZIL VS NORWAY MATCH GO?

Brazil adopted a more defensive approach against Norway, but had a chance to take the lead. Ten minutes into the first half, referee Ismail Elfath awarded Brazil a penalty after a VAR review of an incident involving Matheus Cunha in the box. From the spot, Vini Jr left the ball for Bruno Guimarães, who was denied by goalkeeper Nyland.

The deadlock was broken only in the 34th minute of the second half. Haaland got the better of Gabriel Magalhães after a cross and scored the opener. Shortly after, in the 45th minute, the Norwegian No. 9 received the ball at the edge of the box and found Alisson’s left corner. In stoppage time, Neymar pulled one back for Brazil after a penalty won by Casemiro.

WHAT WERE VINI JR’S NUMBERS AT THE WORLD CUP?

Vinicius Júnior finished as Brazil’s top scorer at the 2026 World Cup. The No. 7 recorded four goals and two assists in five matches. It is also worth noting that the tournament organizers named the forward man of the match in all three of Brazil’s group-stage games.

HOW WAS BRAZIL’S RUN AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP?

Brazil opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Morocco. Then, Vini Jr’s team beat Haiti and Scotland 3-0, which secured qualification for the knockout stage as leaders of Group C. In the Round of 32, the Brazilians came from behind to beat Japan 2-1. However, the ‘Canarinho’ said goodbye to the World Cup in the Round of 16 after a 2-1 defeat to Norway.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.