When emotions meet data, football gets even more interesting. In the latest episode of Numbers Don’t Lie on CBS Sports Golazo Network, JayDee Dyer and former Sierra Leone international Michael Lahoud take a closer look at one of the game’s greatest talents – Vinícius Júnior. From his controversial Ballon d’Or snub to his role for both Real Madrid and Brazil. Here’s what stood out the most about Vini’s journey from Madrid’s star boy to Brazil’s next big hope.
You can watch the whole episode here:
A Ballon d’or Snub that took a while to heal
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony was one of the most controversial things in world football in the last couple of years, leaving many, including the player (and his club) himself, shocked by the voters’ decision to overlook Vinícius Júnior and his brilliant effort throughout that season.
The controversy sparked an unusual reaction from the player, who tweeted the now (in)famous tweet: “I’ll do 10x more if necessary. They are not prepared.” Looking back, Vini now probably regrets that tweet, because his immediate response on the pitch had the world talking about him for all the wrong reasons. Things, however, are seemingly getting back to normal as the data provided by JayDee Dyer and his guest, former Sierra Leone International Michael Lahoud, in the latest piece of CBS Sports Golazo Network show ‘Numbers Don’t Lie’ tell us.
After a rough last season, both individually and on a team level, he’s slowly building up pace and looking set to return to his brilliant best, finally clicking with Kylian Mbappé and potentially unlocking one of the greatest partnerships we’ve ever known.
Is Carletto the man Vini needed to become Brazil’s leader?
Another interesting take from the segment is the difference in levels of Vinícius’ performances for club and country throughout the years. While he’s been an undisputed leader for Los Blancos for years now, starring in two Champions League final victories, he’s been very far from the spotlights in his national team ever since he wore the famous yellow and green for the first time.
As the guys in Numbers Don’t Lie rightfully noted, there is perhaps no shirt in international football that weighs more than Brazil’s No.10 shirt. But the No.7 shirt at Real Madrid is no joke either, and the confidence and quality with which Vini has done it justice makes it hard to argue that he can’t handle the heat.
Enter Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian mastermind that has juggled with egos and made more superstars fit into his teams than any other manager ever could has just taken over as Brazil’s head coach and… early signs suggest it might be the spark Vini needed to take over and carry the dreams of an entire nation.
The immediate impact is obvious, what remains to be seen is whether or not it can become consistent.