Real Madrid megastar sets a strong target for 2026 | OneFootball

There is an urgent need for someone to step up in Real Madrid’s attack after Kylian Mbappe’s injury, but there are not many signs from the first half of the season to suggest that anyone is on a rich run of form to do so.

The Frenchman has led the goalscoring for Real Madrid so far this season, scoring more than half of the team’s goals in all competitions.

His absence just ahead of the Spanish Super Cup, needless to say, is devastating.

Naturally, the spotlight will now directly shift onto Vinicius Jr., who was far from his best in 2025. 

MARCA, however, reveal that the Brazilian has a burning desire to come back stronger in 2026.

A career-defining season

Vinicius sees 2026 to be a career-defining season in many ways and is determined to reset himself and recover his best version.

Vinicius Jr. wants to bring the best version of himself in 2026. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

That, in fact, is his only objective for 2026 – to start from scratch with a clear head and recover his best form for the second half of the club season and the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Mbappe’s injury, in that sense, creates the high-pressure situation that Vinicius thrives best in, and in the process gives him a golden chance to start the new year on a fresh plate with a new sense of responsibility.

Aside from what unfolds on the field, his contractual situation and future at the club still remain unsettled and only a return to form can help him prove his demands are justified.

His whole future at the club, in that sense, may well ride on how the season progresses.

So far this season, Vinicius has been a ghost of his former self and has struggled to score. He is goalless in over 15 games with the club.

Needless to say, that has to change starting against Real Betis.