Real Madrid superstar joins Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema on iconic list in club history | OneFootball

It has been a turbulent campaign for Real Madrid, one which will end without any trophies and with the dressing room turmoil becoming the central focus.

There is a clear divide in the locker room, one that has been festering since the first half of the season when Xabi Alonso was in charge.

And, Vinicius Jr. may have been the one to kick the hornet’s nest, with his outburst over being substituted against Barcelona last year, which is said to have been the starting point for the dressing room tensions.

Despite the noise, the Brazilian has done well on the field, more so in the second half of the season.

Vinicius makes history

Now, as reported by AS, Vinicius has made history this season as he has joined the exclusive group of Real Madrid players who have scored at least 20 goals in five or more consecutive seasons.

In 53 matches this term, the 25-year-old winger has 22 goals and 14 assists in all competitions.

Joining a special list. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Those numbers place him in a select Real Madrid club: he has become the latest player to join the group of footballers who scored 20 goals or more during five or more consecutive seasons.

This pantheon of illustrious names is made up, in chronological order, of players of the caliber of Manuel Fernandez Pahino, Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, Hugo Sanchez, Raul Gonzalez, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema.

Vinicius has now equalled the same goal total he achieved during the 2021/22 and 2024/25 seasons. His best goal-scoring record came during the 2023-24 season, when he netted 24 goals and provided nine assists.

A hat-trick against Athletic Club on the final matchday would turn this campaign into the highest-scoring season of his career. However, as things stand, he could be rested against the Basque club.

Arbeloa’s arrival a key factor

The arrival of Alvaro Arbeloa as manager in January was key for Vinicius this season.

Arbeloa’s arrival has been key for Vini. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

While he had only scored six goals in 27 matches with Alonso on the bench, under the current coach he has scored 16 goals in 26 matches. He has gone from scoring one goal every 328 minutes to scoring one every 139 minutes.

That is why the Brazilian has become the coach’s strongest ally since Arbeloa arrived at Real Madrid. Arbeloa gave him back his prominence, and the forward has responded at the highest possible level.

Apart from the Valencia game, where he was suspended, Vinicius has played in every match during the Arbeloa era.

The 25-year-old has started 24 of the 26 matches, with the only exception being Mallorca, where he came on during the second half, and he completed 21 of those games.