A year after narrowly missing out on the Ballon d'Or, Vinicius Jr has fallen from second to 16th in the award's 2025 rankings, a stark reflection of a turbulent season for both the Brazilian and Real Madrid.
On October 28, 2024, Vinicius Jr watched from afar as Rodri claimed the Ballon d'Or, an outcome that left many Merengue fans and the player himself frustrated.
The Brazilian had delivered a sensational 2023/24 season, helping Real Madrid lift La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League, scoring or assisting in every knockout tie, including crucial goals in Munich and the Wembley final against Borussia Dortmund.
"I will do ten times more if necessary. They are not ready," Vinicius Jr said at the time, a statement that highlighted his determination to eventually lift the trophy that has eluded him.
The following season, however, did not match expectations. Real Madrid's overall dip in form – with only the UEFA Super Cup won and defeats in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals – affected Vinicius Jr's standing.
Individually, he started strong, registering seven goals and six assists in 17 matches before the gala, but faded after the turn of the year, contributing less in key finals and crucial ties against Atletico and Arsenal.
Statistically, his numbers tell a mixed story: he ended the season with 22 goals and 16 assists, improving on the previous season's 24 and 9, but over 1,586 more minutes of action.
Advanced metrics reveal a decline in dribbles attempted and shots taken, and the arrival of Kylian Mbappe complicated on-field chemistry, overshadowing his influence despite their excellent off-pitch relationship.
With Xabi Alonso in charge, the Brazilian has also had to adapt to a manager who prioritises fitness and collective balance over individual stardom.
His omission from the starting XI in Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Marseille signalled a clear message: form and discipline dictate minutes, even for a player of Vinicius Jr's calibre.
The 16th place in the 2025 Ballon d'Or confirms a slump, perhaps the lowest point of his career to date. The challenge now is transforming frustration into motivation – regaining the fearless, electrifying style that made him one of the world’s most exciting players just a year ago.
The promise of "x10" effort remains, but for now, it is yet to come.