Exclusive: Vinicius Jr Needs to Do Better for Brazil, says Ex-Man United Star Rafael

Former Manchester United defender, Rafael da Silva has cautioned Vinicius Junior about complaining whenever he plays for Brazil.

Vinicius Jr. is among the 25 players summoned by Carlo Ancelotti on Monday for his first international assignment as new Brazil head coach with upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying games against Ecuador and Paraguay.

Selecao have struggled to impress in the World Cup qualification race and they sit in fourth position in the CONMEBOL qualifiers with 10 points behind reigning world champions Argentina.

Brazil expect more from Vini Jr

Rafael believes Vinicius Junior can still give more for the Brazil national team having scored just three goals in his last 16 appearances for the Selecao.

The 2024 The Best FIFA Player of the Year is regarded as one of the leaders in the national team and he has been encouraged to deliver his best with his performance and actions. 

“Vinicius Junior is a top, top player with a good character as well but he needs to get better when he plays for Brazil, because people over there always say things,” Rafael told SportsBoom.com.

“To be honest, I'll be very fair here. He needs to stop complaining about a lot of things on the pitch when he plays."

“In the same sense, all the time when you get frustrated, you want to put this frustration on the game, on the referee, on the other players who play against you. He needs to do better for Brazil."

“It is just that, because Brazil is amazing and he is one of the leaders in the team.”

Ancelotti is the best option 

The three-time Premier League winner is excited about the appointment of former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti as the new coach of the Brazilian coach.

Rafael described the decision of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to work with Ancelotti as the best option for the Selecao who are aiming to end a trophyless run in international football.

Brazil’s last success on the international stage was in 2019 when they lifted the CONMEBOL Copa America after beating Peru 3-1 in Rio de Janeiro.

The 34-year-old said: “Everybody knows Ancelotti is a serial winner and it is a big deal to have him coach our best players in Brazil."

“We are happy to have him and the fans will be supporting him to achieve the goals of qualifying for the World Cup and winning trophies with us.”