Vinicius Jr Faces Real Betis Trolls After Ballon d’Or Setback

Vinicius Jr endured fresh ridicule from Real Betis as his disappointing Ballon d’Or ranking sparked online mockery. The Real Madrid winger, once vocal about his ambition to claim football’s top individual honor multiple times, now finds himself in a challenging situation both on and off the pitch.

Vinicius Jr’s Ballon d’Or Hopes Take a Hit

Vinicius Jr, a vital figure for Real Madrid, finished a surprising 16th in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings. The result was a stark contrast to his previous confidence, where he boldly stated he could win the award “ten times if needed”. Unfortunately, these words were thrown back at him by Real Betis, who didn’t miss the opportunity to taunt the Brazilian star on social media.

The mocking response from Betis quickly went viral, with fans and pundits alike discussing whether Vinicius can still live up to his own high expectations. His underwhelming finish has intensified scrutiny and raised questions about his current form and future trajectory.

Challenges Under Xabi Alonso

The arrival of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid’s head coach has also shifted dynamics for Vinicius Jr. Unlike previous seasons under Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso’s system has seen the talented attacker’s role limited, impacting his influence in crucial matches. This tactical adjustment has coincided with a dip in his goal contributions, further fueling speculation about his place among the world’s elite.

Real Madrid’s attacking flair often relied on Vinicius Jr’s explosive runs and creativity. This season, with Alonso prioritizing tactical discipline, Vinicius has been forced to adapt, sometimes even starting from the bench. The adjustment period has brought about frustration for both player and fans, who have witnessed fewer highlight-reel moments from the Brazilian international.

Betis Mockery Ignites Social Media Storm

After the Ballon d’Or announcement, Real Betis quickly capitalized by referencing Vinicius Jr’s previous comments about winning the award ten times. Their playful jab on social media quickly gained traction, with football fans sharing memes and discussions around Vinicius’s form.

The incident reignited debates about the pressure elite footballers face, especially those who set high public targets for themselves. For Vinicius, the criticism comes at a time when his confidence is already under strain due to his diminished role at Real Madrid.

How Vinicius Can Bounce Back

Despite the recent setbacks, Vinicius Jr has time on his side to reclaim his place among the Ballon d’Or favorites. Many believe that, with the right tactical approach and renewed focus, the Brazilian winger can once again dazzle fans and critics alike. Overcoming adversity is part of every top player’s journey, and Vinicius has shown resilience in the past.

Fans and analysts are eager to see whether he will use this setback as motivation to push his game to new heights. With Real Madrid still competing on multiple fronts, the opportunity for redemption remains.

Looking Ahead for Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid

The current situation places both Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid at a crossroads. As the club prepares for key fixtures in LaLiga and the Europa League, including matches against Levante and Nottingham Forest, all eyes will be on how Vinicius responds. His ability to adapt and thrive under Alonso’s system could determine not just his future Ballon d’Or ambitions, but also Real Madrid’s success this season.

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Opinion: Time for Vinicius to Let Actions Speak

In my view, Vinicius Jr’s Ballon d’Or disappointment and the ensuing Real Betis mockery serve as a wake-up call. While ambition is crucial for any elite athlete, public declarations can sometimes backfire. Now more than ever, the Real Madrid winger should focus on letting his performances do the talking. If he can adapt to Alonso’s tactics and rediscover his form, there’s no reason he can’t climb back up the rankings and silence his critics—on the pitch, where it truly matters.