{
  "id": 9284088,
  "title": "Real Madrid have no idea why 26-year-old star is struggling so badly this season",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/real-madrid-have-no-idea-why-26-year-old-star-is-struggling-so-badly",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-23T06:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/real-madrid-no-idea-why-060500733.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Real Madrid are struggling to comprehend why their star player, 26-year-old Vinicius Jr., has had a disappointing season. According to Mundo Deportivo, the club is growing increasingly concerned due to the Brazilian's performance falling far below his usual level, despite his recent contract renewal until 2032. The Brazilian winger has been a vital part of the team, but recent questions over his form have left many at the club perplexed.\n\nDespite Vinicius receiving consistent opportunities from manager Jose Mourinho, who has trusted him from the start, the player's lack of improvement has not been rewarded with the expected results. This lack of progress has left the club searching for answers, as the backing from the manager has not translated into a significant improvement in Vinicius's performance.\n\nThe situation has become more uncomfortable within the Santiago Bernabeu, where fans have repeatedly voiced their frustration towards the Brazilian during matches. Even some of those who have stood by Vinicius have now begun to question whether he should remain an automatic starter. Nevertheless, the dressing room maintains a supportive environment for the player, with Vinicius continuing to receive the backing of his teammates.\n\nHowever, Real Madrid's manager faces a difficult decision ahead of their upcoming La Liga match against Villarreal on October 10. With no clear explanation for Vinicius's struggles, Mourinho must determine the best course of action. The manager has shown complete faith in the young player, but Vinicius's continued underperformance could lead to a change in approach. As a potential solution, Yan Diomande has emerged as an alternative, with the Ivorian having recently improved his form to the extent that he is now one of the most favored players to start on the left for the team. However, this potential change would only address the symptoms of the larger problem, which is the need for Real Madrid to understand why Vinicius is struggling.",
  "summary": "Real Madrid are struggling to understand what has happened to Vinicius Jr.According to Mundo Deportivo, there is growing concern within the club because the Brazilian’s performances have fallen well...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 8,
    "also_reported_by": [
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      },
      {
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      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "La Liga President Tebas slams Real Madrid refereeing ‘conspiracy’ claims",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/la-liga-president-tebas-slams-real-madrid-refereeing-conspiracy-claims",
        "published": "2026-09-22T12:11:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "La Liga president slams Real Madrid over refereeing ‘conspiracy’ claims",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/la-liga-president-slams-real-madrid-over-refereeing-conspiracy-claims",
        "published": "2026-09-22T12:38:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/laliga-reacts-to-real-madrids-accusations-against-referee-after",
        "published": "2026-09-22T12:51:58.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/real-madrid-calls-for-la-liga-chiefs-removal-over-club-criticism",
        "published": "2026-09-22T17:37:02.000Z"
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/real-madrid-tearing-their-hair-out-as-rodri-becomes-key-barcelona",
        "published": "2026-09-23T06:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}