But that very glory sometimes casts a huge shadow over the present. At the 2026 World Cup, as Brazil aims for its first title since 2002, the man pulling the Selecao back to reality is none other than Vinicius. Brazil enters the tournament under coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has announced a 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup, including Neymar , Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Marquinhos, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Magalhães. FIFA emphasizes that Brazil is the most successful team in World Cup history with five titles, but has not won the title for 24 years since 2002. This prolonged gap makes Brazil's desire to return to the top even more intense this time around.
In Brazil 's matches, one can still easily spot shirts bearing Pelé's name, flags commemorating their five World Cup victories, and symbols of the past recreated in the stands. But whenever the ball reaches Vinicius's feet, that atmosphere seems to be pulled from the realm of nostalgia and back to the rhythm of the present. Brazil cannot live forever in the past. And Vinicius, with his speed, strength, direct playing style, and maturity gained after many years at Real Madrid, is becoming the answer to the question: Who is Brazil today?
From a poor boy to a new icon of the Selecao.
Vinicius doesn't embody the classic "futebol-arte" archetype in the way Neymar does. He's not a pure artist who shines with improvisational dance moves, but rather a modern striker: fast, strong, direct, and inclined to accelerate from the left wing, cutting inside to finish with his right foot. At Real Madrid, he faced a challenging early period before developing significantly under Ancelotti's guidance. That connection is now being replicated in the Brazilian national team.
He's not like Pelé, not like Ronaldo, not like Neymar. He's a product of a different era: the era of fast-paced football, of media wars, of racism exposed globally, where players had to both score goals and defend their dignity. If Brazil progresses deep into this World Cup, Vinicius' image could very well become a new part of Selecao's memory.
One day, perhaps in the World Cup stands, Brazilian fans will wear yellow and green shirts bearing Vini's name, just as they wear Pelé or Neymar's today. That is the highest measure of an icon: not only scoring goals in the present, but also entering the collective memory of the nation.
Ancelotti understands Vinicius better than most other coaches. While previously the Selecao revolved around Neymar, a player who liked to receive the ball, slow the tempo, and create complex passing sequences, Brazil is now organized to maximize Vinicius's strengths. When Neymar returned to the World Cup squad after a long absence, FIFA recognized his return as a major highlight in Brazil's lineup. But in reality, Neymar is no longer the central figure. That role now belongs to Vinicius.
During the group stage, Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco, then won 3-0 against Haiti and Scotland to top Group C. Vinicius was Brazil's most outstanding player after the group stage with four goals, including a brace against Scotland. This was a significant change from his previous image in the national team, where he was often seen as a supporting character in a system centered around Neymar. Now, he has become the main target of counter-attacks, receiving the ball in open spaces, and the spearhead that determines the outcome of the attack.
Ancelotti and the "redesign" of Brazil
Under Ancelotti, Brazil doesn't necessarily play the familiar image of a Selecao that dominates possession and weaves beautiful passing sequences from midfield to the penalty area. Instead, the Italian coach builds a more pragmatic Brazil, willing to drop back, concede possession at times, and wait for the opponent to make a mistake to unleash Vinicius's speed.
This shows a clear division of roles: Neymar may still be the emotional icon, the option to make a difference if Brazil needs a moment of brilliance against a deep-lying defense; but Vinicius is the one who holds the fate of the Selecao's attack from the start of the match. This is a Brazil organized to give Vinicius space to accelerate, to choose when to explode, and to have some of his defensive duties relieved.
A noteworthy detail is that Ancelotti didn't just have Vinicius stay on the wing. He encouraged him to move into the center, finding space between the full-backs and center-backs, where a quick burst of speed or well-timed positioning could create a goal. For a player with Vinicius's agility, balance, and short-distance speed, that's the most dangerous area.
Growing up amidst off-field battles.
Vinicius's maturity is not measured solely by his goals. He also grew up in a turbulent environment, particularly in the fight against racism. In 2023, after Vinicius was insulted during a Real Madrid vs. Valencia match, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro went dark for an hour to show support for him and condemn the racist behavior.
From a player often criticized for his celebrations, his expressions, his dances after goals, Vinicius gradually became a symbol of resistance. He not only stood up against defenders on the field, but also against prejudice and offensive behavior that went beyond the boundaries of sports. In Brazil, lawmakers promoted an initiative called the "Vinicius Act" to address racism in stadiums. These things contributed to the extraordinary depth of Vinicius's character. He is not just a goalscorer for Brazil; he is the face of a generation of players who refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice. In a national team always associated with national cultural symbols, this role makes Vinicius's stature greater than just his professional career.
From Pelé's shadow to the Vini shirt
The World Cup always needs central figures. Argentina has Messi, France has Mbappé, Norway has Haaland, and Brazil now places its dreams in Vinicius. For decades, Brazilian fans have gone to the World Cup carrying the memories of their predecessors. Pelé, Garrincha, Zico, Romário, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Kaká, Neymar… Each generation has its own icon. But football cannot be just a repository of memories. A great team must always find someone to represent its era.
Vinicius is getting closer to that role. He's not like Pelé, not like Ronaldo, not like Neymar. He's a product of a different era: the era of fast-paced football, of media battles, of racism exposed globally, where players must both score goals and defend their dignity. If Brazil progresses deep into this World Cup, Vinicius' image could very well become a new part of the Selecao's memory. One day, perhaps in the World Cup stands, Brazilian fans will wear yellow and green shirts bearing Vini's name, just as they wear Pelé or Neymar's shirts today. That is the highest measure of an icon: not just scoring goals in the present, but also entering the collective memory of the nation.
For Brazil, the journey to reclaim the crown after more than two decades still holds many challenges. But at least, they have found a new center for their dreams. When the ball reaches Vinicius's feet, the past fades, the present opens up – and the Selecao have reason to believe that the yellow and green dance can once again take them to the top of the world.
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/giac-mo-tren-doi-chan-vinicius-242655.html
