World Cup

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior backs France to defend World Cup title

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 30 October 2022

Real Madrid and Brazil attacker Vinicius Junior believes that France are the favourites to defend their World Cup crown at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior believes that France have what it takes to successfully defend their World Cup crown.

Les Bleus scooped the trophy for just the second time in Russia four years ago, beating Croatia 4-2 in the final to add to their triumph from the 1998 tournament.

Didier Deschamps's side followed that up by winning the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League, although they were dumped out of Euro 2020 on penalties by Switzerland in the last 16.

France's preparations for the defence of their World Cup have been hampered by multiple injury problems, and they could only finish third in their Nations League group this time around.

Despite Les Bleus' recent struggles, Vinicius Junior still believes that the reigning world champions are the favourites to retain their crown in Qatar.

Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring his side's fourth during the World Cup final between France and Croatia on July 15, 2018 © Reuters

However, the Brazil international has affirmed that his country will do everything in their power to secure the Selecao's sixth World Cup triumph, telling SPORTBible: "It's a little bit difficult, right? The best team is always the team that won the last World Cup.

"I think France are the best at the moment. But at the World Cup that can change and there are a lot of teams with a good chance of winning.

"Argentina is doing very well, Brazil, England, Germany... they are all teams that will be strong in this World Cup – and may Brazil win!

"I think I will be playing; it is going to be a very special World Cup for me and for everyone with high hopes for Brazil. After so long, to have a strong team - it is important for us."

Vinicius Junior enters his first World Cup on the back of a remarkable 2021-22 season for Real Madrid, playing a leading role in their La Liga and Champions League triumphs.

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior celebrates scoring against Girona on October 30, 2022 © Reuters

The 22-year-old racked up 22 goals and 20 assists in 52 appearances for the capital club, including 13 strikes and 17 assists from 35 games in the Spanish top flight.

Vinicius Junior added another four strikes and seven assists from 13 Champions League matches to his tally, including the winner against Liverpool in the final.

The Brazilian scored his ninth goal of the season as Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Girona on Sunday, with that point proving enough for them to return to the top of the La Liga table over Barcelona.

Brazil will kick off their World Cup campaign by tackling Serbia in Group G on November 24, and Tite's side will then meet Switzerland and Cameroon on November 28 and December 2 respectively.

Meanwhile, France have been placed in Group D for the upcoming tournament, beginning their defence against Australia on November 22 before meeting Denmark on November 26 and Tunisia on November 30.