Vinicius Junior is a sensational forward who plays for the Brazilian national team and Spanish club legends, Real Madrid. The Brazilian football magician has dazzled fans and critics with his otherworldly footwork on the ball. At just 23, Vinicius broke Leonel Messi’s goal-scoring record of netting goals in multiple UCL finals. Playing as a winger for Los Blancos, Vinicius Jr is best known for his bolt-speed dribbling, sharp pace, and stamina. Vinicius Junior has won every aspiring football star’s dream trophy. European Cups, FIFA Club World Cups, UEFA Champions League, Copa Del Rey, and La Liga.
The world football rising star player was born in São Gonçalo Brazil. Vinicius plays as a forward for Real Madrid, taking over the prestigious #7 shirt and playing on the left wing further up the pitch. Recently, Vinicius traced his heritage to the Tika tribe of Cameroon through the ‘Golden Roots’ Campaign. Here at Waitakere.co.nz, we will explore the professional footballing career of one of the world’s most accomplished forwards, Vinicius Jr. We will also delve into the Brazilian’s history, exploring his rise to stardom in world football.
Early Life and Football Journey
Vinicius Junior was born in São Gonçalo to a modest catholic family. His father believed in the prodigy and introduced Vinicius Junior to Flamengo, as a potential left-back. His encounters with the club in 2006, sparked interest from the club owners and other entrepreneurs to sponsor his football talent. Between the years 2007 and 2010, Vinicius Junior frequently played at Futsal sessions at Flamengo’s football academy at the Canto do Rio.
He was initially thought to be more gifted in futsal than mainstream football, but in 2010 he was allowed to play for the Flamengo youth team. It was however, in 2017, that Vinicius Junior had the chance to play for the first-team squad. Vinicius Junior was creative on the field right from his youth days. His talent on the ball in outfield positions, fast-paced dribbling, and quick turns, became synonymous with his play style.
He scored his first goal for Flamengo in a second-leg match at the Copa Sudamericana against Palestino. It was a high-scoring match with Flamengo winning 5-0. He was praised for scoring one goal just 30 seconds after being subbed in just 18 minutes to the final whistle. The same year he scored his first Série A for Flamengo against Atletico Goianiense in a 2-0 victory.
Vinicius was courted by Real Madrid scouts the following year and eagerly accepted a move to the Spanish side. He agreed to move to Spain on July 18th for a reported fee of €45 million. That was at the time the second-highest fee paid to bring over a Brazilian player to international football. Vinicius Junior has since been shown prominence in Real Madrid, brandishing Christiano Ronaldo’s 7 shirt in flawless style.
Birth and Early Years
Vinicius was born to Vinicius José Paixão de Oliveira on 12th July 2000 in São Gonçalo, Brazil. From a young age, Vini as he was popularly referred to, had a brewing passion for football. He frequently visited futsal training centers, and sub-urban football fields to play with the locals. His family did not have enough money to sponsor Vinicius academically, however, his father had a plan. His father found a way to expose the young Brazilian’s talent.
Joining Flamengo and Rising Through the Ranks
The very first senior contract signed by the Brazilian for Flamengo was on February 8, 2016. However, his first career match for the club was held on the 13th of May 2017. He first became a substitute in a Brazilian Serie A 1-1 draw. The match was against Atletico Mineiro. Despite the little time he spent in the Brazilian club outfit, Vinicius left Flamengo with a record for a debutant. Vinicius was already making waves from his position as a left winger.
The prodigy displayed wit and tact, skill, and effortless first-touch controls. His dribbling was as smooth as it gets, and fans were already exemplifying him to be the next Pele. He made his first assist the following month and scored a goal in August 2017 in a Sudamericana round two-leg match. It was a ruthless game with Flamengo scoring five goals to null. In total, Vinicius Junior played 69 matches for Flamengo, starting the game in 29 of the games. He scored 14 goals, playing five assists.
Vinicius Junior’s Career at Real Madrid
Like the legend of every rising football star, there comes a time to move on to a bigger, better, and more established club. Vinicius Junior was not hesitant to grab an opportunity to fly to Madrid. Following his stellar performance at Flamengo during the first part of 2017, the Brazilian received a contract to play as a forward for Los Blancos. The contract was to take effect after he turned 18 to conform to Spanish football laws. Vinicius arrived at Real Madrid for a reported staggering fee of €46 million, an unmatched record at the time. He was the second most expensive Brazilian player based on transfer worth at the time, second only to Neymar Junior.
Transfer to Real Madrid
Before his arrival at Real Madrid, the club, fans, and owners were unsettled about a suitable replacement for the iconic football star CR7. Christiano Ronaldo had so modeled the Left-wing position and #7 shirt, that whoever was going to take over, needed to match up to expectations. This meant that Vinicius Junior had a lot of adaptation to do. On the 20th of July 2018, the Brazilian stood before the myriads of fans at the Bernabeu in a sensational presentation.
He was given squad number 28, as at the time his ability to wield the 7th shirt squad number was not up for talks. Vinicius’ earliest games for Madrid were a little shy. Vinicius had to worry about learning the Spanish language, understand the club’s play style, and fit into the team seamlessly. In his former club he was the star, in Madrid he had to impress with little time offered through substitutions.
Vinicius debuted his Real Madrid career with a goalless draw against Atletico Madrid on September 29. His lackluster start was understandable since he was subbed in just about three minutes to the final whistle. He got a first-match start on the 31st of October in a 4-0 victory against Melilla in the Copa del Rey. In the game, he delivered decisive passes and skillful assists for two goals scored by Marco Asensio and Odriozola Alvaro. With each game, Vinicius was honing and refining his dribbling, pace, and playmaking ability.
Key Moments and Growth at Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior scored his first goal for Los Blancos on November 3, against Real Valladolid. He had become more relaxed on the ball, which was a point of complaint from critics. A lot of fans had recognized his dribbling skills but felt he was negligent in the final third and wasted goal-scoring chances. The rising star had steadily started adapting to Spanish football by the close of his first season. Vinicius Junior continued to impress with four goals scored between September 2018 and February 2019.
He scored a brilliant first UCL goal against Club Brugge at the end of the 2019-2020 season. During the Covid period, Vinicius scored his first El Classico goal against Barca in March 2020 in what ended as a 2-0 defeat of the Catalans. This was one of Vinicius Junior’s most iconic moments in his first La Liga season. He equally drew fans internationally when he netted two goals against Liverpool in the 2020-21 Champions League quarter-finals.
He led the white shirts to the Semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League where their hopes to further advance were abated by Chelsea’s forwards Mason Mount and Timo Werner. At the end of the first season, Vinicius Junior earned more play time in the first-team squad. He had developed into a key player for Real Madrid, despite the arguments that the Brazilian still had a lot to prove, to take over Ronaldo’s stint.
Vinicius Junior Stats: A Look at His Impressive Numbers
Vinicius Junior is undoubtedly one of the most iconic forwards for both club and country. Over the years, he has shown efficiency on the pitch and an absolute control of the ball. Let’s explore the Brazilian’s stats through his football career.
Vinicius Jr Stats for Real Madrid
Vinicius played a total of 18 matches for Los Blancos in his first season for the club, 2018-2019. He scored 2 goals despite delivering 31 shots. These were moments of skill without finishing. In the same season, Vinicius played in four UCL matches but scored no goals. In the 2020-21 season, Vinicius Junior had gotten more appearances. He played a total of 49 matches, scoring six goals with four assists.
With each passing season, Vinicius got better, scoring 23 goals with 16 assists in 55 matches in the 2022-23 season across all Spanish and international competitions. His best season by far has been the 2023-24 season. The Brazilian played for 3080 minutes, the equivalent of 39 matches. He scored 15 La Liga goals in 26 games, with three assists. The same season, Vinicius Junior scored six UEFA Champions League goals in ten matches, with four assists. His growth has seen a major progression from season to season. Vinicius started off the 2024-2025 season on a high note.
The Brazilian so far has scored a total of 12 goals in just 18 appearances for La Liga, Champions League, and Supercopa de Europa. Six of the total goals scored by Real Madrid this season were assisted by Vinicius Junior. Vinicius has played in 13 La Liga matches this season, scoring 8 goals with two penalties converted. Vinicius Jr’s stats for goals in the UCL this season are four goals in four matches. He scored a pair each with his left and right foot. The playmaker delivered a record 128 passes in 360 minutes of play in the UCL. He had played one match in the Supercopa de Europa, which ended as a tie with Mallorca.
International Career and Brazil National Team Stats
Vinicius Junior has had a mixed performance in Brazil. His first time playing for the Brazilian national under-15 team was on October 30th, 2015. That year he played in six games and scored six goals, a stellar performance for a debuting player. The following year he joined the under-17 team. He scored 17 goals in 19 games played. Vinicius’s worst season in the colors of Brazil might have well been his time playing in the Under 20 team.
He played in just four games and had no goals scored. He went on to play 37 games in 2019 but scored just five goals. Overall, Vinicius Junior has played in 14 World Cup qualification games, where he has scored one goal and had an assist. In international friendlies, he has scored one goal in 12 games, with two assists to boot. The Copa America and World Cup are Vinicius’s worst competition performances.
He scored one goal in four World Cup games and two goals in seven Copa America competitions. Vinicius’s best performance for Brazil was in the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America match against the Paraguayan national team. The match ended in a 4-1 victory, with the Left Winger scoring two goals, completing two key passes, and completing seven dribbles. Vinicius Junior’s stats for the Brazilian national team further drives home the theory that the Real Madrid Star is yet to reach his prime.
Key Statistical Highlights
Vinicius Junior is well ahead of many young footballers in his generation. The Ballon d’Or 2024 runner-up has carved out a spot for himself in European football sports. The transfer market this season puts Vinicius Junior and Erling Haaland on the same market value at €200 million. Both have contracts in their respective clubs ending on June 30, 2027. Both players excel in different disciplines. Whereas Haaland is a beast in front of goal, Vinicius is well ahead in his versatility, playmaking, passing, and dribbling.
Some pundits rate Vinicius Junior with players like Lucas Paqueta, Rodrygo, and Lamine Yamal. However, Vinicius is well ahead of these footballers. Vinicius has won 10 different major trophies including the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and Player of the Season. Paqueta has won just three trophies: Copa America, Conference League Winner, and Copa Sao Paolo De Juniores. Statistically speaking, Vinicius stands in a league of his own when compared to Arda Guller and Rodrygo.
Vinicius Junior’s Playing Style and Strengths
Football stars like Vinicius, Mbappe, and Neymar all blur into one category, they are magicians and technicians on the ball. However, Vinicius Junior has a prominent playing style that gives him an edge in one-on-one encounters. We are going to examine his particularities, which always leave his opponents guessing about his next move.
Speed and Dribbling
Vinicius Junior has remarkable dribbling skills that complement his ball control and speed. Football statistics reveal that Vinicius Junior is among modern football’s top three prolific dribblers. In La Liga, despite the high focus on technical skills among forwards, Vinicius has risen to dominate in the opponent’s half. Together with Mbappe, he is currently one of two La Liga’s fastest forwards.
He is quick in narrow spaces and changes pace as fast as his defenders can blink. Vinicius masters the sombrero, Marseille roulette, double tap, and drag-and-turn skills. Even in the FC 24 and 25 video games, he is rated as a five-star dribbler. An important component of Vinicius’ speed to managers, is his ability to draw in fouls. In the penalty area, defenders have to watch out for his sharp turns and quick feet, as even the most talented defenders could get tempted to foul him and concede a penalty.
Vinicius Junior has remarkable dribbling skills that complement his ball control and speed. Football statistics reveal that Vinicius Junior is among modern football’s top three prolific dribblers. In La Liga, despite the high focus on technical skills among forwards, Vinicius has risen to dominate in the opponent’s half.
Vision and Passing
When Vinicius started his professional career in Flamengo he was bent on scoring, yet his arrival at the Bernabeu exposed some weaknesses in creating goal-scoring chances for other players or converting shots to goals. He was sometimes jeered by fans for his lack of composure. However, the Brazilian developed under the tutelage of Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti to become a playmaker.
These days Vinicius does everything. He runs, dribbles, passes the ball, and scores humiliating goals. Vinicius has shown that he is no longer confined to the left wing. His visionary passing was instrumental in Brazil’s 2024 Copa America 4-1 win. The Brazilian has a versatile ability to create goal-scoring chances for teammates, pass the ball in dangerous areas, and convert assists.
Finishing and Goal Scoring
Vinicius Junior’s greatest challenge during his earlier years in Real Madrid was converting goal-scoring chances. He has always been a gifted dribbler, fine passer, and talented playmaker. However, in front of the goal, he seemed to lack finesse. Through the years, the Spanish club winger has demonstrated a lot of composure in front of goal, making smarter decisions. His finishing technique has improved, even in high-pressure situations. Most players with dribbling skills, end up scoring mostly close-range goals. Vinicius has been able to go beyond the stereotype, scoring some beautiful long-range goals.
Challenges and Future of Vinicius Junior
Vinicius has had his fair share of challenges in his footballing career. The talented footballer has been jeered on several occasions by opposing fans due to his race. However, several fans and pundits have remarked on a stint of rashness from the left winger. Vinicius Junior has had a few injuries this season, as he was absent from the UEFA Champions League match against Liverpool. Medical specialists at Madrid confirmed he had a left hamstring injury and would be kept on the sidelines for at least three weeks.
Playing in Real Madrid has come with setbacks for the Brazilian. Many fans still believe he is yet to take over the legacy of Christiano Ronaldo due to his low goal conversion stats. However, the owners of the club have shown faith in him, as well as the management. He started his career wearing the squad number 28 jersey. Later on, he moved to squad number 20, and now he wears the #7 shirt in style.
The future of Vinicius seems to pan out of the conventional transfers. He seems continually comfortable in Real Madrid, as evidenced by his repeated appraisal of the club, fans, and staff. He is not linked to any club transfers officially, rather he extended his contract with Madrid to June 30, 2027. Looking at the success of the Brazilian speed dribbler, only the top clubs in Europe would be able to afford him. At age 24, with a continues progression in goals, assists, and key passes in every season, Vinicius Junior is clearly one of the most sensational forwards of his generation.
Overcoming Adversity
Vinicius Junior has had to deal with a lot of racial discrimination, verbal attacks, and threats. He was racially abused by fans of Valencia at their Mestalla stadium on May 21, 2023. His responses to the attacks have led to widespread support by Madrid fans, in support of the football superstar. In Brazil, the Vinicius Junior law was enacted against all forms of racism in football in the country.
He was once called “Monkey” in 2021 at Camp Nou by a Barca fan on his way to the bench. On over four occasions in 2022, Vinicius has been dragged for his samba dance goal celebration, walking style, and even his physical appearance. None of these cases have been dealt with in court specifically, however, La Liga law enforcement has continually put efforts to handle the situation.
What’s Next for Vinicius Junior?
Real Madrid’s Vinicius has repeatedly declared his loyalty to Los Blancos. He had been reportedly courted by the Saudi Pro League who had tried to lure him to Al Hilal. The intention was to replace Neymar Junior with the young talent. Things could heat up given he has been snubbed a chance of claiming the Ballon d’Or. Vinicius came second behind Man City’s Rodri in the 2024 Ballon d’Or. He has shown resilience in slipping away from the bottomless wealth mine of the Middle East. He has a staggering market value, and impressive football stats, and only the best clubs can attract his attention.
Conclusion: Vinicius Junior’s Impact on Football
The world of football has been graced over the last decade with a battalion of top contending players. Vinicius Junior is a breath of fresh air ahead of this league. The Brazilian’s journey from Flamengo to Madrid through humble beginnings is a sensational story. Vinicius has won major Spanish and international trophies. His dribbling ability, breath taking pace, bolt speed, and finishing masterclass have set him apart from his generation.
Despite the challenges he faced in his earlier years in Real Madrid, he has grown to become versatile, playing as the main Left Winger for Los Blancos. He also plays in the Center Forward as a secondary position. Vinicius Junior has had a huge impact in modern football and continues to shine bright in the world of professional soccer.