Vini Jr. breaks silence after Brazil's defeat in the World Cup: "Absurd frustration"

Vinicius Júnior spoke out for the first time after Brazil's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. In a post on social media this Friday (10), the Real Madrid striker opened up about the defeat to Norway in the round of 16, apologized to the fans and stated that the Seleção was capable of going further in the competition.

The number 7 recalled that he also had to deal with frustration after the 2022 World Cup campaign, when Brazil was eliminated by Croatia in the quarter-finals, and explained why it took him a few days to speak out.

"Almost four years later and again thinking about what to write after a frustration at the World Cup. I saw so many people of all ages supporting me, embracing our dream, that it would be unfair to keep silent. But I needed a few days to reflect", he wrote.

Afterwards, Vinicius stated that early elimination is still difficult to assimilate and highlighted the weight of defending the Brazilian team's shirt.

"Wearing the Seleção shirt is the greatest pride of my life, and leaving a World Cup in the round of 16 is a feeling that is difficult to explain. I know how much I prepared, how much I concentrated, how much I wanted this for you, for my family", he published.

The striker also acknowledged that the team fell below expectations and regretted not having lived up to the squad's potential.

"The feeling of frustration is absurd. We had a group strong enough to do more and we couldn't do it. I apologize and I will fight for our dream of returning to the top of the world", he added.

Despite the campaign that ended in the round of 16, Vinicius Júnior left the World Cup as one of the main names on the Brazilian team. The striker scored four goals in five matches and was the team's top scorer in the competition.

For the first time, the quarterfinals of the World Cup are without Brazil, Germany and Italy

Source: CNN