Vinicius talks Mbappe, Bellingham, Benzema, Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ancelotti | OneFootball

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. is entering an important phase of the season with renewed confidence. 

The Brazilian has noticeably raised his level in recent weeks, and his performances have once again placed him at the centre of Madrid’s attacking plans.

Away from the pitch, the 25-year-old recently appeared on Ibai Llanos’ YouTube channel (h/t AS), where he spoke about his life at Real Madrid, his role in the dressing room, and his experiences with the Brazil national team. 

Vinicius began by speaking about his happiness both professionally and personally, stressing that his life at Real Madrid gives him a strong sense of fulfilment.

“I’m very happy. Playing for Madrid, having the life I have, and my family makes me happy. Being happy on and off the pitch is the best thing,” he began saying.

On Ancelotti

He then turned his attention to the Brazilian national team and the impact of Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival as head coach. 

Vinicius made it clear that the Italian has brought a new mood to the squad.

Ancelotti and Vinicius have a special relationship. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“He has changed the face of the national team. We play better, we are happier and more relaxed. For me, his arrival is the best thing that has happened. He could be my grandfather.”

Vinicius even shared a light-hearted anecdote about their relationship.

“Every time he calls me, he tells me we’re going to win the World Cup. He’s already speaking Portuguese, he’s learning very quickly.”

The winger also spoke about the physical demands of his role and why fitness remains a top priority for him.

“I need my physique because I use speed a lot. We have to be physically and mentally perfect because we’re not always going to be technically where we want to be.”

Fame and mental health

Reflecting on fame, he admitted that life changed quickly after his rise at Real Madrid.

“When we are very young, we don’t learn how to be famous. I came out of nowhere to be famous and not be able to go out on the street. 

“The good thing is that people love you a lot, but the bad thing is the press and rival fans.”

To protect his mental health, he revealed that he sometimes distances himself from online criticism.

“You have to listen to everything, not just the good stuff.”

Vinicius also addressed the hostile atmospheres he often faces away from home, making it clear that he thrives under pressure.

“I love it. We train for these games. It’s in moments of pressure that the best players stand out, and at Madrid we’re ready.”

He also showed understanding for rival supporters.

“When I went to see Flamengo, they also booed the opposing players. Football ends when the game ends.”

On Mbappe and the dressing room

Vinicius pushed for Mbappe’s signing. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

One of the most revealing parts of the interview came when he discussed his role in Real Madrid’s major signings. 

He admitted that he personally pushed for the arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

“Every summer I would write to him: ‘When are you coming?’. I acted as his agent. 

“I did the same with Bellingham. I want to play with the best to have a better chance of winning.”

Inside the dressing room, Vinicius said his closest relationships are with a small group of teammates, namely, Mbappe, Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy.

“We spend more time with each other than with our families. We have to have a good relationship.”

Speaking about former teammates, he showed particular affection for Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.

“He’s my favourite. We understood each other with just a glance.“

And on the Croatian legend, he added, “He has something special that only he can have. I miss him a lot. He liked jokes, but he didn’t like to lose.”

Vinicius also admitted to one regret from his Real Madrid career, which is not playing with Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I arrived just when he left. I wish I could have played with him.”

Match against Benfica

Looking ahead to the Champions League tie against Benfica, he acknowledged the difficulty of playing in Lisbon and the motivation to respond after the earlier defeat. 

He also spoke about facing Jose Mourinho for the first time, stating, “He changed the history of the club.”

Finally, he recalled Real Madrid’s famous Champions League comebacks, describing the almost unbreakable belief inside the squad.

“We felt we were going to come back. Against City, we went into extra time knowing we were going to win. 

“When Joselu scored against Bayern, we didn’t even look at the scoreboard. We knew we were going to win before it was over.”