Real Madrid: Between Mbappé and Diomandé, Vinicius Struggles

Vinicius Jr has scored just once in all competitions this season, compared with Kylian Mbappé’s 16 goals in 15 matches. His subdued performance against AEK Athens on November 4, 2026, renewed criticism, while Yan Diomandé drew praise for his defensive work. Abelardo, a former Spain defender, told Movistar that Vinicius has struggled with Mbappé’s arrival and needs to regain his scoring and dribbling form, improve defensively, and change his mindset. Still under contract through 2032, Vinicius is searching for his footing as Mourinho tries to revive him without disrupting an attack built around Mbappé.