Brazil fans have compared Vinicius Jr to Cristiano Ronaldo after watching him play under Carlo Ancelotti in the 6-2 win over Panama. The Selecao are gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and kicked off their preparations in style at the Maracana.
Vinicius broke the deadlock in the first minute before an own goal from Matheus Cunha restored parity for the visitors. The Real Madrid forward then turned provider to help Casemiro score as Brazil took the lead before half time.
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The winger was one of 10 changes made at the interval as Ancelotti decided to hand out opportunities to other members of his squad. However, the fans had seen enough in the opening 45 minutes to suggest Vinicius is back to his menacing best.
One fan compared Vinicius under Ancelotti to how Cristiano Ronaldo performed under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. He wrote on X:
“Ancelotti and Vinicius are the modern day Cristiano and Ferguson. Simply Special.”
Another supporter stated:
“Vinicius under Ancellotti is a different breed.”
@Welisville claimed:
“Vinicius Jr is a different breed of a winger from all y’all new birds in the game — no one i repeat no player in the world is better than him”
@ButtyGhetto_ posted:
“Vinicius assist to Casemiro!!! Let’s goooo!!! This boy has given me something to work with for the next two weeks 🥰🥰😂
“Y’all better be ready to watch Cristiano Ronaldo vs Vinicius at the 2026 World Cup Final. Be there 😎
@MarzoMarinho commented:
“Vinicius is on fire today. We all wanna see this version during the World Cup. He’ll be phenomenal.”
Brazil next face Egypt in their finaly friendly game before their World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13.
Vinicius Jr rates Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal as favorites at 2026 World Cup
Ahead of what promises to be an exciting World Cup held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Brazil superstar Vinicius Jr picked his favorites to win the tournament.
The 25-year-old believes reigning champions Argentina are always contenders, thanks to the genius of Lionel Messi. Vinicius also counted Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo among his picks as favorites.
Speaking on CazeTV about Portugal’s chances, Vinicius stated:
“Portugal one of the favorites? Yes, because Cristiano is there and that matters. There’s Vitinha and João Neves, who are among the best of the current generation. There’s Nuno. Leão and Félix too, players I have a very good relationship with.”
Portugal are in Group K of the World Cup alongside DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Edited by Nived Zenith
