According to a report by Madrid Universal on Thursday, November 5, 2026, former Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti has expressed concerns over Vinicius Junior's recent performances for Real Madrid, claiming that the Brazilian forward has lost his attacking sharpness and suggesting that his failure to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or may have negatively affected his confidence.

Umtiti is not the only former footballer to question the winger's current form, as several other personalities have also criticised his performance following Real Madrid's recent encounter against AEK Athens.

Speaking during an interview with RMC, the former France international argued that Vinicius has struggled to reproduce his usual quality for several months, particularly when it comes to finishing chances and creating danger in the attacking third.

He expressed sympathy for the Brazilian, insisting that his inability to make the most of scoring opportunities has reduced his effectiveness and made him less threatening to opposing defenders.

Umtiti said, "I feel sorry for him. He hasn't been at his best for months now. He's struggling with his final touch, he's wasting so many chances – he's no longer a threat."

The former defender also suggested that missing out on the 2024 Ballon d'Or, which was awarded to Manchester City midfielder Rodri ahead of Vinicius, could have played a significant role in his recent struggles.

According to Umtiti, the disappointment appears to have affected the Real Madrid forward mentally, making it difficult for him to rediscover the exciting performances that previously established him as one of the best attacking players in world football.

He added, "Ever since he failed to win the Ballon d'Or, he's been affected. We're struggling to find the sparkling Vini of old."

Meanwhile, former Real Madrid striker Predrag Mijatovic has offered a different explanation for the Brazilian's declining performances, pointing to the increased competition for the left-wing position.

Mijatovic believes Vinicius previously enjoyed a relatively secure place in the starting lineup but is now facing greater pressure following the emergence of Yan Diomande as another option in that position.

He argued that the competition has forced the Brazilian to play under increased pressure, which could be affecting his performances on the pitch.

However, Mijatovic remains optimistic that Vinicius can rediscover his best form if he maintains his concentration, relaxes and approaches his responsibilities with greater confidence.

Former Real Madrid midfielder Jorge Valdano has also questioned the Brazilian's contribution during the match against AEK Athens, suggesting that his performance was not convincing enough to guarantee him a place in the starting eleven.

Valdano pointed out that Vinicius struggled to complete successful dribbles and managed only one particularly impressive attacking action throughout the encounter.

He further suggested that the winger's display did little to strengthen his position in the team, especially with Diomande increasingly emerging as a serious contender for his starting role.

With several former footballers now expressing concerns about his performances, Vinicius will be under pressure to rediscover his attacking brilliance and prove that he remains an important figure in Real Madrid's plans.