‘We have to keep learning’: Vinicius talks Real Madrid captaincy, Endrick, Neymar, Lamine, Brazil | OneFootball

Real Madrid and Brazil megastar Vinicius Jr. had a candid chat on Caze TV (h/t AS) recently, where he discussed various aspects related to the club and the national team.

The 25-year-old winger made it clear that he intends to stay at the club even though a renewal has not been agreed upon yet.

Meanwhile, the superstar forward also clarified that he shared a very good relationship with Kylian Mbappe, while insisting that they two can turn things around at the club.

On the state of the dressing room and assuming club captaincy

During the chat, Vinicius also discussed the current state of the Real Madrid dressing room, with the team having lost a lot of leaders in recent years and now Fede Valverde and the Brazilian having to step up as the new captains.

“Without Nacho, without Modric, with Carvajal injured, without Kroos. They brought a lot of experience to the team. Now, Fede and I have a lot of experience on the pitch, but not in the dressing room,” he acknowledged.

“We don’t have enough experience to carry that burden; we have to keep learning. This season we’ve learned a lot about the dressing room. Next season we’ll be a better dressing room, more united, a better team.”

Vinicius and Valverde are now the captains after Carvajal exit. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Continuing, he added: “We’re experiencing a change of cycle where we have to change our roles to help. Sometimes it’s good to look back at what you had and understand that it’s not easy to win everything we’ve won. 

“I got used to winning, I got used to bad habits. There’s a lot of pressure; you’re part of the best team in the world. People are waiting for us to fail , and we’ve done it two years in a row. We can’t fail anymore.”

On Endrick, Neymar, Lamine Yamal

Vinicius also discussed the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he will be the leading face of the Brazil national team, one that also consists of his Real Madrid teammate Endrick and global icon Neymar.

“Endrick was driving me crazy. He wrote to me every day saying he was nervous. I told him to calm down, that everything was going to be alright. He did it,” Vinicius said of Endrick.

“A World Cup at 19 isn’t for just anyone. He even came here afterward and said we had to celebrate.”

On Neymar, he added: “Neymar is our idol. I’ve always had a huge affection for him, and he always defended me a lot too. After every call-up, Neymar would tell me, ‘Damn it, Ancelotti didn’t call me up again, I’m really sad.’

Vinicius and Neymar share a strong bond. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“But I always told him that the old man trusted him and that when the time came, he would call Ney up. He supported us a lot when we arrived. He always gave us a lot of encouragement.

“Being able to play with him again is going to be an honour. And, God willing, may it be the last wonderful dance.”

Regarding his performances for Brazil and the criticism he attracts, Vinicius explained: “At my club we play every three days and we can prove ourselves. With the national team it’s more difficult and I haven’t been at the same level. 

“I know we’ve been disappointing people , but the time has come for us all to pull together, where we can change our history and bring the party back to our country.”

As for the World Cup, he remarked: “I hope the eight matches of the World Cup will be the best matches of my life. 

“Representing Brazil in the biggest tournament in football is a dream I’ve had since I was a child, and I want to do everything I can to help my country win another World Cup.”

On who he thought were favourites, apart from Brazil, Vinicius responded: “Spain, France, Argentina, Portugal, and Germany are all strong favourites.”

Talking about Spain and Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal, in particular, he added: “Lamine is one of those players people pay to see play. He’s a great player and very difficult to play against. I’m sure he admires the Real Madrid players too.”