Carlo Ancelotti wrapped up his media session by gently raising the key topic on everyone's mind.

"Observers often note that Brazil lacks a true standout figure at the moment. That assessment may hold weight," the national team coach observed ahead of the late May friendly versus Panama.

"We no longer feature icons such as Pele, Romario or Ronaldo, yet a collective duty can deliver real strength."

Many expected Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior to step into the primary role for the Selecao by now.

Still, four years after the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal exit on penalties to Croatia, uncertainty surrounds the 25-year-old forward.

Following Brazil's 2-1 March defeat to France, conversations at home turned to whether Vinicius warranted a starting position.

"Should Vinicius be left out?" inquired one established Brazilian football debate program on ESPN's Linha de Passe.

Even after hiring former Real Madrid champion Ancelotti, the coach with the greatest club impact on Vinicius, the recurring national team question persists.

The core issue boils down to this: "Why does Vinicius fail to match his Madrid output for the Selecao?"

Vinicius leads Brazil in goal contributions during this World Cup cycle, yet the totals stay limited at seven goals and six assists across 28 appearances.

"Matching club standards proves difficult," noted Cleber Xavier, a former Brazil assistant from the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, in comments to BBC Sport.

"National team duty brings tougher conditions than outsiders realize. Club life offers distinct training, tactics, teammates and daily growth. The prime case is Messi with Argentina, long doubted until 2022 when the squad gelled. Qatar showed Croatia functioning almost like a club unit through repeated selections, granting structure."

Vinicius has addressed the topic openly.

"Clubs provide fresh chances every three days," he explained during a recent Caze TV discussion.

"Two poor showings out of ten draw little notice. National team gaps stretch longer, pressure mounts and expectations stay sky high. A strong World Cup with four or five goals plus a title would rewrite everything, with fans claiming I prepared all along."

Representing Brazil has always carried complications for Vinicius.

A past national coach, speaking privately to BBC Sport, suggested the 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up grapples with "the urge to dominate proceedings."

That leading role matches what Vinicius has known throughout his path.

It shows in his approach to a second World Cup, where he holds 14 sponsorship agreements, topping all Brazilian players.

Despite off-field gains, Vinicius has not yet sparked the deep bond Neymar retains with fans across the country.

The contrast stands out: one veteran past his best yet adored, another at peak form still seeking comparable warmth.

"Vinicius enjoys support from Brazilian supporters, though not matching Neymar's level," stated Eduardo Musa, a marketing expert and prior advisor to the ex-Barcelona and PSG star.

"Key distinctions exist. Neymar built a clear Brazil legacy as all-time top scorer. Vinicius awaits his chance to replicate Madrid feats. Technically, Neymar spent 2011-2013 at Santos with standout seasons watched weekly. Vinicius departed sooner from Flamengo without full starter status or proven technical command."

A Datafolha survey indicated most fans, by a slim margin, still favor including veteran Neymar, with 53 percent supporting his World Cup call-up.

"Memories of Neymar's early Brazil impact before his move abroad stay strong," Musa added. "Personality and charisma also play major roles. I admire Vinicius greatly as a superb talent, yet Neymar accumulated more peak years and lasting highlights."

The Brazilian Football Confederation has long sought to elevate Vinicius as a central Selecao presence.

In March, after Rodrygo's injury ruled him out of the World Cup, Vinicius received the number 10 jersey and fronted a pre-France match briefing, his first in two years.

The intent was clear: position Vinicius as Brazil's public face.

Neymar's unexpected comeback returned the number 10 to the 34-year-old Santos forward.

Even so, Neymar's recent injury history has lowered expectations compared to earlier peaks.

Attention will focus on Vinicius as he targets success in Brazil's sixth title bid and resolves lingering questions.

"He advanced notably through targeted training on finishing, team play and combinations," Xavier, now Venezuela assistant, observed. "That effort drove his growth and scoring input. Maximizing his traits, as at Madrid, requires surrounding structure. The 2022 rebuild phase has passed; the moment may now align."

Vinicius expressed readiness for the attention.

"Everyone discusses me after five or six strong Madrid seasons and years among the elite," he stated. "This brings added duty, the very responsibility I seek since I can deliver more, grow further and reach higher with my potential."