Vinicius says sorry to Brazil fans after World Cup exit

Brazil forward Vinicius Junior has issued an emotional apology to the nation's supporters following the Seleção's shock exit from the FIFA World Cup, admitting the team's last-16 elimination fell well short of expectations.

Brazil arrived at the tournament determined to end a 24-year wait for a sixth World Cup title, but their campaign came to an abrupt end after a defeat to Norway, inspired by a brace from Erling Haaland. The loss extended Brazil's wait for another world crown to 28 years.

The five-time champions endured a difficult tournament plagued by injuries. Key attacking players Rodrygo and Estevão were ruled out before the World Cup began, while Raphinha and Lucas Paquetá also suffered injuries during the competition.

With several first-choice attackers unavailable, much of Brazil's attacking responsibility fell on Vinicius. The Real Madrid star responded with an impressive tournament, scoring four goals and providing one assist in five matches. However, he was unable to inspire his side past Norway in the knockout stage.

Four days after the defeat, Vinicius broke his silence with a heartfelt message on Instagram.

"Once again, I'm wondering what to write after another World Cup disappointment," he wrote. "I saw everyone supporting me and believing in our dream, so staying silent wouldn't have been right. But I needed a few days to process everything."

The 26-year-old described representing Brazil as the greatest honour of his career and acknowledged the pain of the early exit.

"Wearing the national team shirt is the greatest pride of my life. It's impossible to put into words how it feels to be eliminated in the Round of 16. I know how hard I prepared and how much I wanted to win the World Cup for you and for my family. I'm deeply disappointed. We had a team capable of going much further, but we couldn't do it."

Vinicius concluded his message with an apology to Brazilian supporters and a promise to continue fighting to restore the national team to the top of world football.

"I'm sorry to all of you. I'll keep fighting to make Brazil the best team in the world again."