Vinicius Jr. starred for Brazil in a 3-0 win over Haiti at the 2026 World Cup, scoring once, setting up another goal and helping to create the third before being named man of the match. He had also scored in Brazil’s opening game against Turkey, and the Real Madrid forward is now being praised in Brazil and across the Spanish-speaking football world for his form in the tournament.
Brazilian media described him as a leader who is deciding matches and influencing every goal. Globo wrote, "He does what is expected from a player of his level. This is what a leader looks like," adding that he was involved in all the goals and controlled the game, even if he looked a little less sharp after halftime, when the result was already settled.
Vinicius started on the left wing but was moved slightly more centrally because of Matheus Cunha’s movement. Brazilian columnist Rodrigo Coutinho said that once Cunha played like a central midfielder, Vinicius was freed from defensive pressure. He added that Brazil was not especially precise, but Vinicius was excellent, receiving freedom in the middle, moving the ball, drawing defenders and making life easier for everyone.
The change in role comes after Vinicius reunited with Carlo Ancelotti, his former coach at Real Madrid. Under Ancelotti, Vinicius won the Champions League twice, in 2022 and 2024. So far at the World Cup, he has completed only 2 of 14 dribbles, but he has still produced two goals and three key passes.
Spanish daily AS said, "Vini can take this team all the way," calling the display a clear statement of intent and noting that he led Brazil to first place in the group after a dream first half. Vinicius said he played in a different position at the coach’s request, more in the middle between the two center backs, and joked that Ancelotti would now say he understands football well.
