Read for 2 minutes11 July 2026 09:05 AM IST
Days after Brazil’s heartbreaking exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026, star player Vinicius Junior has broken his silence on a disappointing campaign that saw the five-time champions knocked out by Norway in the round of 16.
Vinicius said it was inappropriate to remain silent after such a disappointing World Cup, describing the feelings as “difficult to explain”.
“Almost four years later and once again after the disappointment of the World Cup I am thinking of what to write. I see so many people of all ages supporting me, embracing our dream, that it would be unfair to remain silent,” Vinicius said in a statement on social media.
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“But I needed a few days to reflect. Wearing the national team jersey is the biggest pride of my life and leaving the World Cup in the round of 16 is a feeling that is hard to explain,” added the Real Madrid star.
The round of 16 exit ended Brazil’s worst World Cup since 1990, ending an eight-tournament streak of reaching the quarter-finals. It was their first exit in 36 years and the first time Brazil had exited in the last eight since 1994.
As Brazil lost 2-1 against Norway, Erling Haaland scored twice to break the hearts of millions of Selecao fans. The five-time champions, the most decorated nation in football history, have not won the World Cup since 2002.
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Vinicius scored four goals and provided one assist throughout the tournament, but was unable to inspire his side to victory against Norway.
“I know how much I prepared, how much I focused, how much I wanted this for you, for my family.
“The feeling of disappointment is huge. We had a group strong enough to do more, and we couldn’t. I apologize and I will fight to fulfill our dream of returning to the top of the world,” he said.