“Better player than Vinicius”, “Best in the world in his position” - Fans name Brazil star who's 'better' than Real Madrid ace after Venezuela draw

Fans reckon Raphinha is 'better' than Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior after Brazil's 1-1 draw at Venezuela in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday. Raphinha opened the scoring for the Selecao, while Vinicius had a quiet outing.

The five-time winners opened the scoring in the 43rd minute through the in-form Barcelona ace as they led at the break at the Estadio Monumental de Maturin. However, Venezuela were back on level terms in the opening minute of the second half, thanks to Telasco Segovia.

Despite Alexander Gonzalez seeing red for the hosts a minute from time, Vinicius and Co. had to settle for a share of the spoils, snapping a two-game win streak in the qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Raphinha registered his 15th goal of the season for club and country, to go with 10 assists, in his 20th game. That includes three goals in as many games for Brazil.

Fans proclaimed the Barcelona man to be better than his Real Madrid compatriot Vinicius, with one tweeting:

"He's a better player than Vinicius. Let's all be for real."

Another chimed in:

"Raphinha is the best in the world in his position. Show me who's better."

There were similar reactions from other fans, with one tweeting:

"Raphinha is better than Vinicius Junior in my books."

Another posted:

"This Brother is the best Winger itw"

One fan tweeted:

"The best Brazilian in the world right now. Vinicius jr who??"

Another wrote:

"Raphinha for Ballon d'Or"

One wrote:

"Carrying Brazil not like that fraud that wanted to win a Ballon d'Or"

While Raphinha has 12 goals and 10 assists in 17 games across competitions for Barca this season, Vinicius has 12 goals and seven assists in 17 games across competitions for Los Blancos. However, the 23-year-old has drawn blanks in three qualifying games for Brazil.

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What's next for Vinicius' Real Madrid?

Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior is in the midst of a superb season for Real Madrid, who recovered from a two-game losing streak across competitions with a 4-0 La Liga home win over Valencia at the weekend.

Carlo Ancelotti's side next take on Leganes away in the league on November 24, after the ongoing international break. Three days later, they travel to Premier League leaders Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, where Madrid are coming off a 3-1 home loss to AC Milan on matchday four.

Los Blancos are second in the La Liga standings, trailing Barcelona (33), who have played a game more. However, the Champions League holders are 18th in the European competition, winning two of four games.