FIFA World Cup 2026: How Carlo Ancelotti unlocked the best in Vinicius Jr. for Brazil

Vinicius Junior (AP Photo) The match was yet to reach its first hydration break. Brazil was already enjoying the gift of an early goal. In the 22nd minute, opener Vinicius Junior dispossessed Scotland defender Jack Hendry to slot in Brazil’s second. The Scots looked scared but ready to go on. Vinicius celebrated with his team-mates in his trademark style, only for VAR to step in and call a foul on Hendry in the build-up – the softest possible touch which seemed to hinder the defender.Real Madrid’s Vinicius might have exploded at such a decision and would have invited the card. But on Wednesday, the 25-year-old offered only a mild reaction. He was ready for the next game, scoring again, missing a few more and helping Brazil progress to the round of 32 as the top team from Group C ahead of Morocco. While Vinicius deserves credit for four goals in three games and becoming the fifth Brazilian to score in all three group games, his composure stood out. This is where the “master”, Carlo Ancelotti, comes into play.If the Italian gentleman has made the Brazilian look like a transformed player in Selecao colors since taking over, it was also Ancelotti who helped Vinicius turn over a new leaf in his Real Madrid career in 2021 when the Italian returned to the Spanish giants for a second spell.Vinicius had a miserable season under the outgoing Zinedine Zidane and was often second choice behind Ed Hazard whenever the Belgian was fit. Rodrygo, the second Brazilian in the team, was also more to Zidane’s taste. But Ancelotti decided to make the vivacious Vinicius the first winning project of his final club stint.The winger, who could take on the best with his speed – but until then looked apathetic against the opposition – was finally finding his feet. The coach instilled faith in Vinicius, treated him with love and made one major tactical adjustment: he prevented him from taking more than one touch before shooting or playing the last ball in the box. A player who scored a total of 15 goals in the previous three seasons finished with 22 in Ancelotti’s first year, including a Champions League-winning strike. Add in the assists and Real had a star that could no longer be ignored.A relationship was established; mutual trust was established. Even though Real struggled in the 2024-25 season and Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe were often criticized for not doing enough defensively, Ancelotti never threw him under the bus. “I’ll replace you if you don’t run,” Ancelotti was heard telling the Brazilian during a tough La Liga match. But once in the press room, in the face of the hungry Madrid media, not a word was uttered against Vinicio.By this time, the tactician knew he would be taking over the job in Brazil and that he couldn’t afford to lose his main weapon. Through thick and thin, two men who were separated by 42 years stood by each other. The older one watched the younger one mature. That helped Brazil deal with the choppy waters of the World Cup group stage after a disastrous qualifying campaign in which they finished fifth.“‘The Lord’ knows how to deal with situations and has the ability to understand the formation needed for the team he manages. He can also keep the dressing room happy and keep the morale of the team,” Vinicius said in the mixed zone on Wednesday, praising Ancelotti.While the 3-0 win was good and Matheus Cunha added the finishing touch, the subdued euphoria of Vinicius and his teammates was heartening. They know that in the bloated World Cup of 48 teams it is only a small step and their first real challenge awaits them.Vinicius did a lot of good, but the clear cut chances he missed even on Wednesday could hurt Brazil when push comes to shove. To his credit, he gives exceptional effort, from pressing defenders to tracking when necessary, but Brazil will expect a sharper final output, especially with his xG at 3.2.Raphinh’s fitness is still unclear, while Neymar was back in national colors after 981 days and Cunha looked sharp. The midfield of Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes is not elite, while right-back Danilo left European shores some time ago.From what we have seen of Brazil so far, they are no better than France, Spain, Argentina or the Netherlands. But Ancelotti knows how to get the most out of a team when they are not playing at their best.If the tactician is to translate his club success into World Cup glory, Vinicius must once again become AC Milan’s Kaká, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba, Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo or simply Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. Can ‘Mr’ get his boy to the gold standard of greatness? Brazil is waiting for an answer.