Vinicius Junior's Form Sparks Concern, but Courtois Offers Reassurance

Vinicius Junior's performance has been a subject of concern in Real Madrid's mixed start to the 2026/27 campaign. The young star was substituted in the 4-1 UEFA Champions League win over RB Leipzig, and his goal-scoring record has been affected, with just one goal across all competitions so far.

This is a significant drop-off from his previous seasons, where he consistently scored 20+ goals. To alleviate concerns, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois offered a reassuring assessment of Vinicius's situation.

He noted that Vinicius is still working to find his best form and that the team and fans will support him in this effort. Courtois pointed out that even the greatest players, such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, have faced criticism throughout their careers.

Courtois mentioned that Messi and Ronaldo are the only two players he knows who have consistently performed at a high level, almost every year. He emphasized that Vinicius has played almost every game for nine years, which is a testament to his dedication and work ethic.

Courtois concluded by stating that the team needs to help Vinicius find his best form, and that with support, he will eventually get there.