The internet has produced countless conspiracy theories over the years—from the Kennedy assassination and aliens to the Illuminati and even bizarre theories involving animals. After the 2026 World Cup, Brazil had its own strange theory: was Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior really the same person, or had someone else replaced him?

The theory emerged after Vinicius underwent cosmetic surgery following the World Cup, slightly changing his facial appearance. Social media users then began spreading an absurd claim that the Brazilian winger had mysteriously disappeared and that a lookalike had been brought in to honour his commercial commitments.

There was, of course, no evidence behind the theory.

Yet Vinicius' performances this season are making that old joke feel relevant again. His numbers suggest that the player currently wearing the Real Madrid shirt is far removed from the Vinicius fans have watched over the past several seasons.

A Sharp Drop in Goals and Assists

Vinicius has played 10 matches for Real Madrid in the 2026–27 season so far, scoring just once.

He has featured in eight La Liga matches, registering one goal and three assists. In two Champions League appearances, he has yet to score or provide an assist.

According to Spanish media reports, it is the worst start to a season Vinicius has made since joining Real Madrid in 2018.

Last season, Vinicius averaged 0.6 goal contributions per match for Real Madrid, scoring 22 goals and providing 10 assists. That figure has fallen to 0.4 this season.

His Dribbling Has Also Declined

Dribbling has always been one of Vinicius' greatest strengths. But his numbers in that area have also dropped significantly.

In the 2023–24 season, he averaged 7.37 dribble attempts per 90 minutes, completing 3.15 successfully. The following season, he averaged 6.70 attempts with 2.82 successful dribbles.

Last season, the figures dropped further to 5.51 attempts and 2.53 successful dribbles per 90 minutes.

This season, Vinicius is averaging only 4.34 dribble attempts per 90 minutes, with just 1.86 successful dribbles.

He is even behind Real Madrid's Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande in this area. Diomande has completed 65.7 percent of his 23 dribble attempts this season, compared with Vinicius' 46.5 percent success rate from 14 attempts.

Too Many Chances, Too Few Goals

Vinicius' finishing statistics are another concern.

He has taken 25 shots across all competitions this season but has scored only once. His expected goals (xG), however, stand at an impressive 3.14.

That means his actual goal tally is significantly below what the quality of his chances would suggest.

His shot-to-goal conversion rate is only around four percent. Among players in Europe's top five leagues who have taken more than 20 shots, that is the second-lowest rate.

Is Mourinho Losing Patience?

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho still appears to trust Vinicius, but the growing competition within the squad is putting additional pressure on the Brazilian.

In Real Madrid's 4–3 Champions League victory over Roma last Thursday, Mourinho substituted Vinicius in the 59th minute. The winger had failed to score or assist, had not hit the post and had struggled to create any significant danger. His dribbling attempts were also unsuccessful.

After the match, Vinicius admitted that he was frustrated with himself because he was not performing at his best.

Meanwhile, Endrick replaced him and responded with a goal and an assist, giving Mourinho another reason to trust the young forward.

Diomande Is Increasing the Pressure

Yan Diomande is another player putting pressure on Vinicius.

The Ivory Coast winger has registered either a goal or an assist in each of Real Madrid's last four matches. His ability to play on either wing gives Mourinho another tactical option.

With Vinicius serving a four-match La Liga suspension, Diomande started on the left wing against Sevilla and delivered an impressive performance.

Real Madrid also have a huge El Clasico ahead. Vinicius will miss the match because of his suspension, meaning Diomande will have another opportunity to strengthen his case.

If Diomande performs well in the Clasico, the competition for a starting position could become even tougher for Vinicius.

Can Vinicius Bring Back the Old Vinicius?

The numbers suggest that the current Vinicius is not the same player Real Madrid fans have become accustomed to seeing.

His goals, assists, successful dribbles and finishing efficiency have all declined this season.

But perhaps the biggest positive for the Brazilian is that the solution is ultimately in his own hands.

Vinicius has already shown over several seasons that he can become one of the most dangerous wingers in world football. The question now is whether he can put this difficult spell behind him and bring back the explosive, decisive Vinicius that Real Madrid have relied on for years.