Vinicius Jr is slowly finding his feet again, but according to former Brazil international Joao Miranda, the Real Madrid star remains a million miles away from the legendary company of Neymar, Ronaldo, Messi and Cristiano.
The 24 year old was once a Ballon d’Or favourite. Those days feel like a lifetime ago.
His form has dipped. His image has taken a hit. And his antics on the pitch have turned former admirers into critics. Now, one of his own countrymen has delivered a sobering assessment.
‘He lacks something’
Miranda, who played for Atletico Madrid during his time in Spain, did not hold back when asked about Vinicius.
“For me, Vinicius has a lot of quality, but he is still far from Neymar, Messi, Cristiano,” the former defender said.
He acknowledged that the modern game has changed. More physical. More demanding. And Vinicius has adapted well in that sense.
“Football, at the moment, is the best we have, because for me football has changed a lot. It has a lot of physicality and Vinicius has the technical part and the physical part.”
But then came the but.
“But he is not like Messi and Neymar. He lacks something. I don’t know if it is charisma with people.”
Ouch. That is not just about football. That is about presence. About connection. About being more than just a player.
The charisma question
Miranda’s comments cut to the heart of the Vinicius debate. Everyone can see the talent. The dribbling. The pace. The big game moments.
But is he loved? Is he admired beyond his own fanbase? The answer, increasingly, seems to be no.
Neymar had flair and personality. Messi had quiet genius. Cristiano had relentless drive. Vinicius? He has a habit of arguing with referees, clashing with opponents, and letting frustration get the better of him.
That is not charisma. That is a liability.
Racism in La Liga
Miranda was also asked about racism in Spanish football, a subject that has deeply affected Vinicius during his time at Real Madrid.
The former Atletico defender claimed he never experienced it personally.
“Here in Spain and in Europe, not anywhere, I have not experienced racism, because I had my head only to play football. What people said to me was only a distraction to take the focus away from the game.”
He added that players must learn to block out the noise.
“When you’re going to play a game, if you let the fans take the focus away from the game, it changes the way you play a little, it takes away your concentration a little.”
That is a cold take. And one that will not sit well with those who have suffered real abuse. But Miranda is entitled to his opinion.
The bottom line
Vinicius is still a top player. He is still capable of magic. But he is not Neymar. He is not Messi. He is not Cristiano.
And according to Miranda, he never will be.
The Real Madrid star has time to change that narrative. He is only 24. But the clock is ticking. And the comparisons are not getting any kinder.
