“The coach chose Bruno”: Vinicius denies dodging Brazil penalty

Vinicius Junior insisted he never refused the chance to take Brazil's crucial penalty against Norway, saying the decision to hand the spot-kick to Bruno Guimarães was made by coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Bruno's first-half penalty was saved by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland as Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat, crashing out of the World Cup in the Round of 16.

Vinicius dismissed suggestions he avoided the responsibility, stressing the designated penalty taker had already been decided before the match.

"The coach chooses who will take the penalty kick beforehand. He chose Bruno. I was never vain; I never wanted to be the top scorer of the competition, and that's why Bruno took it," Vinicius said after the match.

"He took better penalties than me, and that's why the coach chose him. That's it. I never shied away from responsibility."

The Real Madrid forward also rejected claims that he declined to take the penalty, pointing to his record from the spot at club level.

"Many people will say I didn't want to, but I never ran away. I take penalties for Real Madrid when the coach chooses me. We have to prepare better for the next World Cup and the upcoming games."

Ancelotti later explained that the decision was based on penalty conversion statistics compiled over the past year, rather than reputation or seniority.

"Because we compiled statistics from one year of rival players and our own. The best penalty taker is Neymar, then Igor Thiago, then Raphinha, then Bruno Guimaraes, then Martinelli."

"We chose Bruno Guimaraes because we thought he was the best player on the field," the Brazil coach said.

Vinicius said there was never any disagreement with the coaching staff's decision and backed Bruno despite the costly miss.

"There was no debate at all. The coach chose Bruno to take the penalties. We train every day, and he chose Bruno."

"I've never been vain about wanting to be the top scorer or the best player in the competition. I play for the team, and the right thing to do at that moment was for Bruno to take the penalty."

"Unfortunately, he missed. That's football, we have to keep our heads held high. Much strength to Bruno for the tournament he had. Unfortunately, it will be tarnished by the penalty."

Bruno converted both penalties he took for Newcastle United last season, although he was not the club's regular penalty taker. Vinicius scored five of his seven penalties for Real Madrid during the 2025-26 campaign.