No goal or assist in 8 matches: Should Real Madrid be worried about attacker’s poor form? | OneFootball

The international break often offers a pause for reflection for most European clubs, and for Real Madrid, it shines a harsh spotlight on the struggles of their supposed talisman, Vinicius Junior.

The Brazilian winger entered the November hiatus carrying an unprecedented weight: a streak of eight consecutive matches in all competitions without recording a goal or an assist.

This is a dry spell virtually unheard of from a player, who was close to winning the Ballon d’Or not more than a year ago.

Vinicius troubling form at Real Madrid

The recent run of fixtures saw Vinícius frequently deployed on the left flank, yet his typical explosive decisiveness has been noticeably absent.

In the last eight matches – including the crucial Clasico against Barcelona, as well as Champions League ties against Liverpool and Juventus – his finishing and overall presence have been far from his usual best.

His on-field frustration became public during the 2-1 victory over Barcelona, where he was visibly furious upon being substituted in the 72nd minute, reportedly storming down the tunnel and clashing with the coach.

Vinicius Junior’s relationship with Xabi Alonso hasn’t been optimal. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

This tension highlights a wider problem, as his dip in form is compounded by the apparent difficulty integrating seamlessly with Kylian Mbappe on the frontline.

A compounding contract situation

Compounding the performance slump are the escalating off-field tensions surrounding his contract renewal.

Vinicius’ current deal runs until 2027, but his representatives are reportedly pushing for a significant raise, demanding a salary package comparable to that of Mbappe.

The Real Madrid board, led by Florentino Perez, is resistant to breaking the club’s carefully managed wage structure to accommodate such a demand.

Sources indicate that the club views his recent dip in form as a reason to resist, believing current performances do not justify placing him in the highest salary bracket.

This has led to a widely reported “renew or be sold” ultimatum, placing a potential €150 million price tag on the Brazilian if an agreement is not reached by the summer of 2026.

Should Real Madrid worry?

Should Real Madrid fail to secure his contract and move him on, there could be massive ramifications.

The case for selling rests on Florentino Perez. A €150 million sale would inject massive capital and help the wage structure.

What’s in store for Vinicius’ future? (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

It would also pave the way for a less controversial talent, such as Franco Mastantuono, to occupy the flanks and build a fresh start with Mbappe.

However, the case for retaining him is far stronger on the pitch. Vinícius is only 25, a two-time Champions League winning goalscorer, and arguably one of the five most marketable players in world football.

Selling him would mean losing a designated “No. 7” who has consistently delivered in the most pressure-filled moments. It risks the club losing a generational talent.

That being said, it is clear that Vinicius’ ongoing slump is not purely on performance. The attacker is clearly struggling from mentality as well, which could haunt Real Madrid in the long run.

The club, therefore, have a decision to make before Vinicius’ poor form starts to take a toll on his market valuation as well.