Vinicius Junior will be in Finland for the UEFA Super Cup as one of the stars. Not just of the game, but of European football.
Last season, in which Carlo Ancelotti‘s confidence in Vinicius was clear from the very first training session, marked the Brazilian’s entry into the elite with Real Madrid.
After three seasons in which doubts prevailed over the flashes of brilliance, Vinicius had a great campaign.
But at 22 years of age, Vinicius knows what it is like to be criticised. Now it is his turn to show maturity.
The Brazilian has gone through this process without psychological help. Not because he does not believe in it, but because he felt he had enough inner strength to transform the uncertainties and the voracity of the critics into what he sees today on the pitch.
Vinicius is on another level
The goal against Liverpool in Saint-Denis put the Brazilian on another level, that of the players who have decided the Champions League. It is so far the highlight of a journey that began with Real Madrid in another European Super Cup.
Four years ago, against Atletico Madrid in Tallinn, he spent the entire time on the bench. Julen Lopetegui was clear that he was not at the competitive level that Madrid demanded.
Now, Vinicius returns to the Super Cup. But he does it in another world. The kid who had to prove that what Real Madrid paid for him was not madness has already buried that debate.
The goal that won the 14th Champions League for Los Blancos is the most resounding answer. But there is more, because he ended last season with 21 more goals, 16 assists and a partnership with Karim Benzema that spread panic wherever they went.
More demanding
The consequences of what he did last season, with the goal against Liverpool as the jewel in the crown, means that since May 28, nothing has been the same for him.
He has seen this on his holidays, during which he has felt that his popularity is considerably higher than before. And his commercial value has skyrocketed to place him among the footballers with the most pull for brands.
This is not just another season either. Because there is a World Cup, the first of his career. Now, no one doubts that the Real Madrid man will be among those chosen by Tite to be in Qatar.
Sewing the fifth star on Brazil‘s shirt is another of Vinicius‘ objectives. The last time the Selecao conquered the world, he was not yet two years old.
