Vinicius Junior Embraces Key Brazil Role Under Ancelotti

Vinicius Junior has become the focal point of Brazil’s attack under Carlo Ancelotti, who has convinced the Real Madrid star to take on a surprising and influential new role as the Selecao prepare for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Vinicius Junior: The Heart of Brazil’s New Attack

Vinicius Junior is now central to Brazil’s offensive plans as Carlo Ancelotti looks to craft a dynamic team capable of claiming a historic sixth World Cup title. With Neymar sidelined by injury, all eyes are on the 25-year-old winger, who has been elevated to a leadership position in Brazil’s lineup. Vinicius’s familiarity with Ancelotti, thanks to their successful partnership at Real Madrid, has made the transition smoother for both player and coach.

Since taking over as Brazil manager, Ancelotti has been keen to tap into Vinicius Junior’s attacking flair, utilizing his exceptional pace and dribbling skills. In six appearances under the Italian, Vinicius has netted twice, but Ancelotti believes there is even greater potential to unlock.

Ancelotti’s Tactical Shift for Vinicius Junior

Carlo Ancelotti has challenged Vinicius Junior to operate in a more central attacking role, rather than sticking exclusively to the left wing. Explaining his tactical vision, Ancelotti told PLACAR: “Vinicius has the quality to score many goals. As a winger, he needs to beat three or four defenders and touch the ball several times to score. But centrally, with just one movement, he can finish. He understands this and enjoys the new position.”

While Ancelotti is careful not to use Vinicius as a traditional forward, he believes the Brazilian’s threat is maximized when attacking the box with space to exploit. “He’s very, very dangerous attacking the area. We can use his talents both as a winger and when he drifts centrally.”

Adapting Brazil’s Tactics with and Without Neymar

As Ancelotti experiments with tactical tweaks ahead of the World Cup, he’s not just reshaping Vinicius Junior’s role. The veteran coach has also advised Neymar to consider playing more centrally. The aim is to reduce the physical demands on Neymar, now 33, while still utilizing his creative talents closer to goal.

Ancelotti commented, “Today’s football requires more than just talent—it demands intensity and physical strength. Playing centrally, Neymar will have less defensive responsibility and more chances to score. I see the ‘false 9’ as his ideal role, especially as he works to regain full fitness.”

The Road to the 2026 World Cup

Brazil’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup continue despite recent setbacks, including a defeat to Japan. The Selecao are scheduled to face Senegal and Tunisia in international friendlies on November 15 and 18. With only two more warm-up matches before the tournament, every game is crucial for refining tactics and building team cohesion.

Vinicius Junior’s versatility and willingness to embrace new challenges under Ancelotti’s guidance could be the spark Brazil needs. The combination of tactical innovation and the drive of emerging leaders like Vinicius signals a new era for Brazilian football.

What This Means for Brazil’s World Cup Hopes

The evolution of Vinicius Junior’s role under Ancelotti may well be the key to unlocking Brazil’s attacking potential at the highest level. If Vinicius continues to adapt and thrive, and if Neymar can return to form in a more central position, Brazil could be formidable contenders in North America.

For more news and updates on Brazil’s World Cup preparations, visit for more news.

Opinion: Embracing Change for Global Glory

Ancelotti’s willingness to rethink Brazil’s attacking setup shows the importance of adaptability in modern football. Trusting Vinicius Junior with more responsibility not only showcases the winger’s growth but also highlights Ancelotti’s tactical acumen. If the squad embraces these changes, Brazil has every reason to be optimistic about their World Cup prospects.