'Where is he?!' - Vinicius Junior accused of being 'distracted' by Kylian Mbappe & Saudi transfer interest with Real Madrid winger 'far from his level'

Former France and Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit claims the Brazilian winger is nowhere near the level that saw him finish second in the Ballon d'Or voting last year and is also put off by the fact that Kylian Mbappe is now the star of the Real Madrid team. Petit has also suggested that speculation over a move to Saudi Arabia is playing a part in Vinicius' drop-off in performance.

Petit said to GFFN: "Vinicius Junior last season was fighting for the Ballon d’Or. Where is he actually? He’s not there anymore. Is he distracted by the offer that he received from Saudi Arabia? Probably. Is he distracted by the fact that Mbappe is now the star of the team? Maybe, as well. But I think he is so far from his level, and he’s not the only one in the first 11."

Vinicius has struggled for form throughout 2025, scoring just six goals in 24 appearances for Real since the turn of the year. Rumours of a Saudi move have ramped up in recent weeks, though it was most recently reported he is likely to stay with the Spanish giants.

Vinicius is set to feature as Real aim to turn around their 3-0 Champions League quarter-final deficit to Arsenal on Wednesday. They then host Athletic Club in La Liga on Sunday, with Carlo Ancelotti's side still in the hunt for a glorious treble.