What happened to Reinier? Why €35m ‘new Kaka’ failed to follow in Vinicius Jr’s footsteps at Real Madrid
What Happened to Reinier? Why €35m ‘New Kaka’ Failed to Follow in Vinicius Jr’s Footsteps at Real Madrid
Introduction
When Real Madrid signed Reinier Jesus in January 2020 for €35 million, many expected him to follow the same trajectory as Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo. Dubbed the “new Kaka” due to his technical skills and attacking prowess, the young Brazilian arrived in Spain with high expectations. However, years later, he has struggled to make an impact at the club. So, what happened to Reinier? Why did the €35m ‘new Kaka’ fail to follow in Vinicius Jr’s footsteps at Real Madrid?
From unsuccessful loan spells to injuries and tactical mismatches, Reinier’s career hasn’t gone as planned. While Vinicius and Rodrygo became key players for Madrid, Reinier’s development stalled, raising questions about his future. This article explores his journey, the challenges he faced, and whether he can still revive his career.
Reinier’s Arrival at Real Madrid – A Star in the Making?
In 2020, Real Madrid continued their trend of investing in young Brazilian talents. Reinier was seen as another gem, following in the footsteps of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.
At Flamengo, he showed exceptional promise, helping the team secure the 2019 Brazilian Série A title and Copa Libertadores. His dribbling ability, vision, and goal-scoring instincts earned him comparisons to Brazilian legend Kaka.
However, unlike Vinicius and Rodrygo, who were gradually integrated into the first team, Reinier was sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund to gain experience. This decision turned out to be a crucial factor in his struggle at Madrid.
What Happened to Reinier? Why €35m ‘New Kaka’ Failed to Follow in Vinicius Jr’s Footsteps at Real Madrid
1. Unsuccessful Loan Spells – A Career Setback
One of the biggest reasons Reinier failed to make an impact at Real Madrid was his loan move to Borussia Dortmund.
- Madrid sent him to Dortmund for a two-year loan (2020-2022), expecting him to develop in a competitive environment.
- However, Reinier struggled for game time, making just 39 appearances across two seasons—mostly as a substitute.
- Unlike Vinicius and Rodrygo, who had time to adapt in Spain, Reinier had to prove himself in a physically demanding Bundesliga.
His lack of minutes and Dortmund’s tactical system, which didn’t favor his playing style, slowed his progress. By the time he returned to Madrid, his confidence had already taken a hit.
2. Injuries and Fitness Struggles
Another major obstacle in Reinier’s career has been injuries and fitness issues.
- During his loan spells, recurring injuries disrupted his development.
- Unlike Vinicius Jr., who worked on his physicality and endurance, Reinier struggled to stay fit for long periods.
- Injuries prevented him from getting the consistency needed to improve at the top level.
This lack of fitness further diminished his chances of breaking into Real Madrid’s squad.
3. Competition in Real Madrid’s Squad
Real Madrid’s squad depth also played a huge role in Reinier’s struggles.
- By the time he returned from loan, the club had Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Marco Asensio, and Brahim Díaz fighting for attacking positions.
- The arrival of Jude Bellingham in 2023 made it even harder for Reinier to find space in the squad.
- Unlike Vinicius, who took advantage of Madrid’s transition period, Reinier had to compete against established stars.
Even when given opportunities, he failed to make a strong impression, making it difficult for Carlo Ancelotti to trust him in key moments.
Can Reinier Revive His Career?
Despite his struggles, Reinier is still young and has time to turn his career around. Some possible options for him include:
- A permanent move to a mid-table La Liga or Serie A club where he can get regular minutes.
- A return to Brazil to regain confidence and playing time.
- Adapting his game to become more versatile, similar to how Vinicius Jr. improved his decision-making and physicality.
For now, Reinier remains a Real Madrid player but is unlikely to feature in the club’s long-term plans.
FAQs
What happened to Reinier?
Reinier struggled due to unsuccessful loan spells, injuries, and intense competition at Real Madrid. Unlike Vinicius Jr., who developed at the club, Reinier was sent to Borussia Dortmund, where he failed to get regular playing time.
Why did the ‘new Kaka’ fail at Real Madrid?
Reinier failed to succeed at Real Madrid because of limited first-team opportunities, injuries, and tactical mismatches during his loan spells. The club’s packed squad also made it hard for him to break through.
Is Reinier still at Real Madrid?
Yes, Reinier is still a Real Madrid player, but he has been loaned out multiple times, and his future at the club remains uncertain.
Can Reinier still become a top player?
At 22 years old, Reinier still has time to revive his career. A move to a smaller European club or back to Brazil could help him regain confidence and playing time.
Final Thoughts
So, what happened to Reinier? Why did the €35m ‘new Kaka’ fail to follow in Vinicius Jr’s footsteps at Real Madrid? Poor loan decisions, injuries, and squad competition all played a role in his struggles. Unlike Vinicius Jr., who was given time to develop in Madrid, Reinier had to prove himself in unfamiliar environments.
While his future remains uncertain, his talent is undeniable. With the right career choices, Reinier can still carve out a successful path in football—just not at Real Madrid.
External Backlink
For further insights on football transfers and player development, check out Transfermarkt.
Wiki Data Table: Reinier Jesus
| Full Name | Reinier Jesus Carvalho |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 19, 2002 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder |
| Current Club | Real Madrid (loaned out) |
| Former Club | Flamengo |
| Transfer Fee | €35 million (to Real Madrid) |
| Major Titles | Copa Libertadores (2019), La Liga (2020) |