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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Vinicius' dismal Brazil form continues</li><li>Went missing in Brazil's 1-0 loss to Paraguay</li><li>Received immense backlash from frustrated fans</li></ul>

Vinicius Junior told Ballon d'Or triumph would be 'biggest crime in history of the sport' as Brazil fans tear apart 'atrocious' Real Madrid winger for 'ghosting' in dismal Paraguay loss

The Real Madrid winger was an anonymous figure on the pitch as <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/brazil-player-ratings-vs-paraguay-vinicius-jr-dorival-jr/bltae638c5ec0b68080#csd9b18f96c88bce74" target="_blank">Brazil slumped to a 1-0 loss to Paraguay</a> in their latest CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifier. Although he did find some spark in the second half, his efforts were not enough to secure at least a point for the Selecao away from home.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Furious Brazil fans hit out at Vinicus after the match for failing to lead his country to victory and even expressed their desire for the Ballon d'Or favourite to miss out on the coveted individual prize.An X user,<a href="https://x.com/ney2maa/status/1833698350778253387" target="_blank"> @ney2maa</a>, wrote: "We cannot let someone like Vinicius who ghosts for his national team every single game to win the Ballon d'Or man. It would be the biggest crime in the history of the sport."Whereas, <a href="https://x.com/EiFSoccer/status/1833694901084512445" target="_blank">@EifSoccer</a> stated: "Not even an exaggeration - Vinicius has to be one of the worst international performers in football history relative to his club performances. We are talking about a Ballon d’Or future winner. He has never performed for Brazil. At this point, how can Brazil play him?"Meanwhile, <a href="https://x.com/Ollican_/status/1833701125628772529" target="_blank">@Ollican</a> wrote: "There’s a reason Zidane always benched him. Vinicius has been atrocious under every manager in his career except Ancelotti. This isn’t even him being a system player, which is disastrous in itself but an issue of skillset. Once he flukes that Ballon d’Or, it’s toast tbh. Smh 🤦🏾‍♀️"<a href="https://x.com/SelecaoTalk/status/1833694043701739857" target="_blank">@SelecaoTalk</a> argued: "Vinicius Jr touching the ball just 37 times in a game where Brazil have 70%+ possession is extremely worrying. It’s not like he’s trying things and they aren’t working. He’s just not involved at all."Manchester City fan <a href="https://x.com/Siphe_Sihle1/status/1833741620296188025" target="_blank">@Siphe_Sihle1</a> chipped in: "Yet people say he should win the Ballon d'Or. Absolutely pathetic. Rodri does it for club and country."

WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

Brazil have slipped to the fifth spot in the CONMBEOL standings after losing their fourth match in eight games. However, they are still within direct qualification bounds as the top six teams will head to the 2026 global event in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

After a dismal outing with the national team, Vinicius will be desperate to head back to the comforts of Valdebebas in Madrid where Carlo Ancelotti is waiting for him in the tactical room. He remains one of the key players for Los Blancos and will look to shrug off his poor international form when the reigning La Liga champions face Real Sociedad on Saturday.

WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS?

Vinicius Junior told Ballon d'Or triumph would be 'biggest crime in history of the sport' as Brazil fans tear apart 'atrocious' Real Madrid winger for 'ghosting' in dismal Paraguay loss | Goal.com English Saudi Arabia

Vinicius Jr. has been told it would be the &quot;biggest crime in history of the sport&quot; if he wins the Ballon d&apos;Or after another poor display for Brazil.

Vinicius Junior told Ballon d&apos;Or triumph would be &apos;biggest crime in history of the sport&apos; as Brazil fans tear apart &apos;atrocious&apos; Real Madrid winger for &apos;ghosting&apos; in dismal Paraguay loss