Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or aspirant is no longer a commanding influence at the club | OneFootball

It goes without saying that Vinicius Jr. remains a prominent figure in the Real Madrid dressing room, but his influence within the team has notably diminished this season.

While he was once the undeniable leader of the attack, especially during last season alongside Jude Bellingham, the emergence of Kylian Mbappe as a prolific scorer has reshaped the dynamics of Real Madrid’s forward line.

Mbappe’s incredible scoring record, with 33 goals so far, has firmly established him as the main attacking force. Meanwhile, Vinicius has managed only 19 goals this season, which is five fewer than his overall tally from the previous campaign.

Although he has improved in providing assists—currently standing at 10, one more than last season—his impact has not been as commanding.

The pride has a new leader

Unlike last year, when Vinicius was regarded as a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or despite not winning it, his performances this season seem to lack the same cutting-edge quality.

The Brazilian forward’s tendency to get involved in unnecessary conflicts, such as his recent altercation during a Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, has served as a distraction from his primary task of delivering consistent results.

Kylian Mbappe has changed the dynamics at Real Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

What is evident is that the leadership of Real Madrid’s attack is now shared among several players, with Mbappe clearly at the forefront.

Vinicius is no longer the sole figurehead of the attack, and while he remains important, his influence is somewhat reduced.

This could be crucial for Real Madrid

This shift in hierarchy may not be a major issue for the team right now, but it could become a concern as the season progresses.

The real test will come during the decisive stages of the Champions League, where individual brilliance often plays a critical role.

Real Madrid have reached a point in the season where every performance matters, and their attacking line must function with precision and cohesion.

While Vinicius continues to be a valuable contributor, the transition in the team’s attacking hierarchy could have implications when the stakes are highest.

With Mbappe leading the charge and others playing crucial supporting roles, Real Madrid will need every player to be at their best to achieve their ambitions this season.