Vinicius Junior subjected to DNA analysis due to replacement theory

Strange rumors have circulated in recent days regarding Brazil's Vinicius Junior, star of Real Madrid, after accounts on social media claimed that the royal club intends to subject him to a DNA test to verify his identity, following a conspiracy theory that alleges he has been replaced by someone who resembles him.

Promoters of these claims linked the narrative to the Spanish newspaper "AS" in an attempt to lend credibility to it. However, a review of what the newspaper published did not reveal any report confirming Real Madrid's intention to conduct this analysis, which denies the validity of the circulating news.

A conspiracy theory circulating in Brazil claims that Vinicius Junior disappeared or died after the FIFA World Cup 2026, and that the person currently appearing in the Real Madrid and Brazil shirt is not the real player, but someone else who resembles him and has been tasked with continuing his sporting career and advertising commitments.

Proponents of this theory have relied on comparisons between old and recent images of the Brazilian star, claiming there are differences in his facial features and some tattoos that appear on his body, before the allegations evolved into stranger narratives talking about a conspiracy behind his disappearance and replacement.

These claims are not based on any reliable evidence, while Vinicius Junior's natural appearances with the Brazil national team recently serve as a practical response to the circulating narrative.

These rumors coincided with a decline in the player's technical level at the beginning of the current season, as he has not delivered his usual performance with Real Madrid, which has opened the door to increasing criticism regarding his output.

Vinicius Junior has acknowledged his need to regain his confidence, while Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that the player is not experiencing his best form but remains a key figure for the 'Seleção', thanks to his ability to make a difference even when he is not at his peak.

According to the newspaper 'AS', Vinicius Junior has started the season with modest numbers compared to his usual performance, having scored only one goal in his first eight matches, which has intensified the criticism directed at him.

Despite this, José Mourinho, the manager of Real Madrid, still places his trust in Brazilian star Vinicius Junior, considering him one of the important elements in his project with the team, focusing on helping him regain his form instead of excluding him from his plans.