Ancelotti Backs Vinicius Jr To Shine For Brazil

Carlo Ancelotti believes Vinicius Junior will soon show his Real Madrid form for the Brazilian national team. He is about to coach his first match for Brazil.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Before his debut as Brazil’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti supported Vinicius Junior to improve in international games. Ancelotti, who became Brazil’s coach after leaving Real Madrid in 2025, feels the winger is ready to play his best for the Seleção. He said in a press conference that Vinicius has recovered from an ankle injury and is motivated as Brazil prepares to play Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Vinicius Junior’s different performances for club and country are much discussed in Brazilian football. He was a runner-up in last year’s Ballon d’Or and has been crucial to Real Madrid’s success. However, he faces criticism for not doing as well for Brazil. Since making his senior national team debut in 2019 and becoming a regular starter in 2022, Vinicius has struggled to play as well as he does for his club. Now, with Ancelotti, under whom he won two UEFA Champions League titles and two La Liga championships at Real Madrid, there is hope that he will also perform better for his country.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Ancelotti will make his coaching debut for Brazil in a key 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on June 6. This match begins a new time for Brazilian football under the experienced Italian coach, who aims to help Brazil qualify for the World Cup in North and Central America. This game is a chance for Vinicius to prove his critics wrong and show he can play as well for Brazil as he does for Real Madrid. Brazil’s performance in this match may set the course for Ancelotti’s time as coach and may mark the start of Vinicius Junior’s better play in international football.