With Neymar about to return after a season without playing, Brazil is preparing to choose a leader for the canarinha. Vinícius and Neymar will compete for that role.
A campaign has already been launched in Brazil against Vinícius and in favor of Neymar, a player who controls marketing very well and takes great care of his image.
They Didn't Like Vinícius Turning Carvajal into the Best Right-Back in the World
All it took for Vinícius was a loving message to his teammate Dani Carvajal after his injury for Brazil to turn against him and demand explanations.
"The best right-back in history," wrote Vinícius in a message sent to Carvajal. And in Brazil they've felt hurt. They disagree because, for Brazilian fans, Cafu, Carlos Alberto or Dani Alves are above the Madridist player.
The reason was the least of it. What can no longer be denied is that there's a trend of opinion against Vinícius who is waiting for Neymar's arrival to fall at his feet.
Neymar was never happy about Vinícius's presence in the national team, fearing that he could eclipse him. But it's not just that he can eclipse him, but rather that he's surpassed him. And now it will be Neymar who will have to run for Vinícius and not the other way around.
Neymar was the Best in Copa América... Because he Didn't Play
Things didn't go well for Vinícius at Copa América. Brazil wasn't at the expected level and, as often happens in these cases, the best is the one who's missing.
And Neymar was not at Copa América due to an injury. Brazil is awaiting his return in the hope of reversing the poor image that the canarinha has been offering in recent years.
And we'll have to see how Neymar's ego feels about having a teammate at his side who is one step away from winning the Ballon d'Or.
Turbulence is brewing for the Canarinha with the arrival of Neymar. Will he understand that he is no longer the best?