"Not even close to Neymar", "He's a system player" - Brazil fans unhappy with star after his showing in 1-1 Uruguay draw
Brazil fans were left disappointed with superstar forward Vinicius Jr.'s sub-par display in Selecao's 1-1 draw with Uruguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday (November 19). The 24-year-old's dismal outing was the latest in a string of poor performances for his national side, leading to widespread public criticism.
Despite playing the full 90 minutes, Vinicius was unable to affect the game positively for his side. He completed just two of his five dribbles (40%) and 17 of his 22 passes (77%), won six of his 12 duels (50%), and couldn't get any of his three shots on target (stats via FotMob).
His renowned creativity was also missing as he failed to create a single chance throughout the game. Fans were left agitated after the game, taking to social media to vent their frustrations.
@nexus1331 wrote:
"Just accept he is not even close to Neymar (ex-Barcelona superstar and Brazil's all-time record goalscorer)."
@zymphnode wrote:
"He's a system player who can't perform outside of Real Madrid. Teammates have to work for him."
Here is a selection of fan reactions (via X):
"People need to understand that there's a huge gap between him and Neymar and that's okay. The comparisons forced between him and Ney set his standards so high that even underwhelming performances are looking far more underwhelming," @GENER4L1ST opined.
"He’s a system player and only works at Madrid," @iniestassist chimed in.
"He's not even who they think he is fgs," @FCBChika wrote.
"Whenever Neymar played for Brazil, there was instant magic. Levels," @sonkodero agreed with the overbearing public sentiment.
"Pressure got him," @fakhyall theorized.
"Everytime I watch him play for Brazil, I get convinced wven more why the Ballon d'or has to go to someone else..you were right all along," @Dangerousgroun2 claimed.
"He isnt from Brazil it seems," @flickeyflakahh wrote.
"I never see a case about a footballer with is so good for his club, level best in the world, but never (rare opportunity) for his country. For me at this point I don't know what even say," @VicenteAnd66647 wrote.
Vinicius Jr. has a poor record with the Brazil national team
Although he is widely considered one of the best forwards in world football at the moment, Vinicius Jr.'s record for Brazil doesn't make for pleasant reading.
The 24-year-old has been incredible at club level for Real Madrid over the past few years. He has an impressive tally for Los Blancos, with 95 goals and 82 assists in 281 games across competitions.
However, for the Selecao, Vinicius has been a severe under-performer. He made his senior debut in 2019 and has since made 36 more appearances, but has just five goals and five assists to his name.
He managed to score in just one game at the 2024 Copa America, grabbing a brace in a 4-1 win over Paraguay. He missed the quarter-final with a yellow card suspension and watched on as Brazil crashed out 4-2 on penalties to Uruguay.
Dorival Jr.'s side sit fifth in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier standings. With the top six teams earning direct qualification, Vinicius will have to turn things around to help his nation secure their spot in the tournament.