Vinicius Junior Shines Bright in Real Madrid’s Resurgence Amid Mbappé’s Absence
Vinicius Junior’s goal-scoring streak and importance to Real Madrid surge amid Kylian Mbappé’s injury absence in early 2026.
- • Vinicius scored six goals in five consecutive matches, first such streak since August 2022.
- • His resurgence coincides with Mbappé’s absence due to a knee injury.
- • Vinicius had endured a 13-match goalless run earlier this season amid fan criticism.
- • Manager Álvaro Arbeloa stresses Vinicius’s crucial role during this period.
- • Thibaut Courtois maintains a high save rate in the Champions League.
- • Mbappé accounted for 43% of the team’s goals before his injury.
Key details
Vinicius Junior has sparked a remarkable turnaround at Real Madrid in early 2026, scoring six goals across five consecutive matches—the first time since August 2022 that he has achieved such a streak. This resurgence follows a tough spell where he went 13 league matches without scoring, amid heavy criticism from fans. His improved performances have come at a crucial time as teammate Kylian Mbappé remains sidelined with a knee injury, significantly increasing Vinicius's role and importance within the team.
Under new manager Álvaro Arbeloa, Vinicius has become a pivotal figure in Madrid's matches, delivering key goals against rivals such as Rayo and Benfica. These contributions have helped sustain Real Madrid’s progress in the Champions League during a challenging stretch, especially since Mbappé had been responsible for 43% of the team’s goals prior to his injury.
The situation highlights Vinicius’s resilient bounce-back and growing impact, despite persistent fan tension. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois continues to excel with an outstanding save percentage in the Champions League, underpinning Real Madrid’s defensive strength.
As Madrid navigates this transitional period without one of its star players, Vinicius’s form offers a much-needed boost, illustrating his evolving role and potential as a critical offensive force in the squad.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
