Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. has come under intense scrutiny on social media following his unimpressive performances at the start of the 2026/2027 season.

The Brazilian winger has played six La Liga matches and one UEFA Champions League game so far this season, registering three assists and scoring one goal.

During Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Elche in La Liga on September 15, 2026, Vinicius was caught several times being sluggish in play and squandering chances.

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He was substituted around the 60th minute by head coach José Mourinho, who explained that the player was fatigued and needed rest ahead of subsequent games.

After the match, fans on social media criticized the winger’s below-par performance, claiming it is weakening Madrid’s attack despite Kylian Mbappé’s exploits.

Some frustrated supporters have called on Mourinho to bench the Brazilian to push him to work harder and regain his form, warning that failure to do so could spell trouble for the club.

Concerns have also been raised that after the club met his financial demands to renew his contract, his performances have dipped. Some believe he could be placed on the market if he fails to improve, as Madrid seeks to end its recent trophyless run.

Amid the backlash, Vinicius Jr. has acknowledged his dip in form and vowed to bounce back stronger in upcoming games.

Read the reactions below:

This nigga doesn't even dribble anymore he just launches himself to the opposition expecting to no clip through them

— FabrizioBarça (@FabrizioBauejk) September 16, 2026

VINI JR FELL OFF🤦🏽‍♂️😭 He now plays like Madueke pic.twitter.com/3I0jCoJaQB

— Clinch 7 (@ClinchRMCF) September 16, 2026

Since his jawline surgery he’s been pathetic

— Tobechukwu Onwuka (@Tobechukwu10189) September 16, 2026

MOURINHO, SHOW SOME BALLS AND GET VINICIUS JR OFF THE FIELD, FVCK , WHAT A SHITTY PLAYER, SERIOUSLY pic.twitter.com/oc6GnSkmUC

— Out Of Context Madrid (@Vera_RMCF) September 15, 2026

C’est un criminel il doit vraiment passer plus de temps à soigner sa finition qu’être avec sa meuf

— Liano_🇲🇷🐂 (@liano_94) September 15, 2026

VINÍCIUS JR. VS ELCHE 🇧🇷

A night to regret 😱 he wasted all Arda Güler Chances today. pic.twitter.com/ykMyZASDkd https://t.co/r06iEmkNHX

— Real Madrid Xtra (@RealMadridxtrac) September 15, 2026

Vinícius Jr. isn’t the same player anymore.

The acceleration is gone. The explosiveness is gone. The fear factor is gone.

Same name, different player. Prime Vini feels like a different timeline. https://t.co/i0mNaGhchX

— َ (@Varca_Owner) September 15, 2026

I can't really understand what happened to vinicius jr. Bro can't even dribble anymore or shoot even when he is good position 😭 pic.twitter.com/ZMmF2wk5Bi

— praise God (@praiseGod99) September 16, 2026

Vinicius Jr has to be very careful, He will get benched by Mourinho if he continues dropping these poor performances. You cannot be one of the best paid players in the world and be performing like 2019 Vinicius pic.twitter.com/RLv2zACcHB

— Adika (@Adikastakes) September 16, 2026

The standards are different now Vini has to rediscover his best level quickly because Mourinho won’t hesitate to demand more from him. ⚪️🔥

— Vincent (@EmekaVince3947) September 16, 2026