Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ace Vinicius apologises after Brazil World Cup exit: ‘The feeling of frustration is overwhelming’
Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Jr. has publicly apologised following Brazil’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, using his social media accounts to express his disappointment after the team’s 1-2 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16.
Tipped as one of the favourites going into the tournament, Brazil largely underwhelmed at the tournament, with manager Carlo Ancelotti failing to get the best out of the group, although injuries did not help matters.
After winning three of their first four games, including a Round of 32 win over Japan, the Selecao ultimately fell short against Erling Haaland’s Norway in the Round of 16.
Despite being the most successful nation in World Cup history with five titles, Brazil have now gone without lifting the trophy since 2002.
Vinicius apologises
Vinicius was one of the few bright sparks for Brazil during their brief stay at the tournament, scoring four goals. However, the 25-year-old Real Madrid winger was unable to help his team stay alive in the competition for longer.
Now, he has taken to social media to apologise to the Brazilian public for the national team’s performance at the World Cup.
“Almost four years later, I find myself thinking again about what I wrote after another World Cup disappointment,” Vinicius started.
“I saw so many people of all ages supporting me and sharing our dream that it wouldn’t have been fair to stay silent. But I needed a few days to reflect.”
Continuing, he noted: “Wearing the Brazil shirt is the greatest honor of my life, and being eliminated from a World Cup in the Round of 16 is a feeling that’s difficult to explain.
“I know how hard I prepared, how focused I was, and how much I wanted this for all of you and for my family.”
The Real Madrid forward acknowledged that the squad had been capable of achieving much more.
“The feeling of frustration is overwhelming. We had a team strong enough to go much further, and we didn’t do it,” he wrote.
Concluding, Vinicius vowed to lead Brazil back to the top of the world football: “I’m sorry, and I will keep fighting for our dream of returning to the top of world football.”
Vinicius’ World Cup
This was the second World Cup of Vinicius’ career after previously representing Brazil at Qatar 2022, where the Selecao were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Croatia.
At the 2026 World Cup, the Real Madrid forward featured in all five of Brazil’s matches, scoring four goals and providing one assist.
With the disappointment of the elimination now behind him, Vinicius will focus on starting pre-season with Real Madrid under new manager Jose Mourinho. At the same time, he will also hope to finalise his contract renewal with the club.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
