{{Short description|Brazilian footballer (born 2000)}} {{Portuguese name|Paixão|de Oliveira|Júnior}} {{pp-vandalism|small=yes}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Vinícius Júnior | image = 2023 05 06 Final de la Copa del Rey - 52879242230 (cropped).jpg | caption = Vinícius with Real Madrid in 2023 | full_name = Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior<ref>{{cite web |url=http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=57351 |title=Acta del Partido celebrado el 19 de mayo de 2019, en Madrid |trans-title=Minutes of the Match held on 19 May 2019, in Madrid |publisher=Royal Spanish Football Federation |access-date=15 June 2019 |language=es |archive-date=15 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615194220/http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=2782 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|2000|7|12|df=y}}<ref name="Real Madrid"/> | birth_place = São Gonçalo, Brazil<ref name="Real Madrid">{{cite web |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/football/first-team/players/vinicius-paixao-de-oliveira-junior|title=Vinicius Jr. |publisher=Real Madrid CF |access-date=30 September 2018}}</ref> | height = 1.76 m<ref name="Real Madrid"/> | position = Forward, left winger | currentclub = Real Madrid | clubnumber = 7 | youthyears1 = 2006–2017 | youthclubs1 = Flamengo | years1 = 2017–2018 | clubs1 = Flamengo | caps1 = 50 | goals1 = 11 | years2 = 2018 | clubs2 = Real Madrid B | caps2 = 5 | goals2 = 4 | years3 = 2018– | clubs3 = Real Madrid | caps3 = 242 | goals3 = 77 | nationalyears1 = 2015–2016 | nationalteam1 = Brazil U15 | nationalcaps1 = 10 | nationalgoals1 = 7 | nationalyears2 = 2016–2017 | nationalteam2 = Brazil U17 | nationalcaps2 = 19 | nationalgoals2 = 17 | nationalyears3 = 2018–2019 | nationalteam3 = Brazil U20 | nationalcaps3 = 4 | nationalgoals3 = 0 | nationalyears4 = 2019– | nationalteam4 = Brazil | nationalcaps4 = 48 | nationalgoals4 = 9 | medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's football}} {{MedalCountry|{{fb|BRA}}}} {{MedalCompetition|Copa América}} {{Medal|RU|2021 Brazil|}} {{MedalCompetition|South American U-17 Championship}} {{Medal|Winner|2017 Chile|}} {{MedalCompetition|South American U-15 Championship}} {{Medal|Winner|2015 Colombia|}} | club-update = 18:55, 17 May 2026 (UTC) | nationalteam-update = 03:59, 31 May 2026 (UTC) }} '''Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior''' ({{IPA|pt-BR|viˈni.sjuz ʒoˈzɛ pajˈʃɐ̃w̃ dʒi oliˈvej.ɾɐ ˈʒu.njoʁ|lang}}; born 12 July 2000), commonly known as '''Vinícius Júnior''' or '''Vini Jr.''', is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for {{Spanish football updater|Real Madrid}} club Real Madrid and the Brazil national team. Considered one of the best players in the world, he is known for his pace, technique and dribbling ability.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-12 |title=Golazo 100, men's soccer players top 10: Kylian Mbappe tops list; Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham close behind |url=https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/golazo-100-mens-soccer-players-top-10-kylian-mbappe-tops-list-vinicius-jr-jude-bellingham-close-behind/ |access-date=2024-09-24 |work=CBS Sports |language=en}}</ref>
Born in São Gonçalo, Vinícius began his professional career at Flamengo, where he made his senior debut in 2017, at age 16. A few weeks later, Vinícius was the subject of a transfer to La Liga club Real Madrid, for whom he signed in a £38 million deal, which was a national record for a player under 18.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Madrid present £38.7m teenager Vinicius|publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44904288 |access-date=27 May 2022}}</ref> The transfer was made effective after his 18th birthday, with Vinícius debuting for the club in 2018–19. Over the following seasons, Vinícius established himself as a prominent member in Real Madrid's squad, helping the club win two La Liga–Champions League doubles, scoring the winning goal in the 2022 final, as well as the second goal in the 2024 final, being named the tournament's Player of the Season in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Ed McCambridge Contributions from Mark White |date=18 March 2022 |title=Ranked! The 10 best wingers in the world right now |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ranked-the-10-best-wingers-in-the-world-right-now |access-date=27 May 2022 |website=FourFourTwo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926055937/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ranked-the-10-best-wingers-in-the-world-right-now |archive-date=26 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0275-15415a62aaf0-36d3e17d7404-1000/ |title=Champions League final: Vinícius Júnior scores only goal as Real Madrid beat Liverpool to claim 14th title |publisher=UEFA |date=28 May 2022 |access-date=28 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402222733/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0275-15415a62aaf0-36d3e17d7404-1000/ |archive-date=2 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Vinicius named Player of the Season as Real Madrid sweep Champions League awards |url=https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/uefa-champions-league/articles/vinicius-named-player-of-the-season-as-real-madrid-sweep-champions-league-awards-2024-06-03 |access-date=3 June 2024 |website=beIN SPORTS |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603221645/https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/uefa-champions-league/articles/vinicius-named-player-of-the-season-as-real-madrid-sweep-champions-league-awards-2024-06-03 |archive-date=3 June 2024}}</ref> Vinícius was included in the FIFPRO World XI in 2023 and 2024, and was named The Best FIFA Men's Player in 2024.<ref>{{cite news |date=17 December 2024 |title=Vinicius Jr wins Fifa Best men's player of year award |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cr56rq09v20o |access-date=17 December 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> He also finished runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d'Or voting.
At his youth stage for Brazil, Vinícius was a key player in the victory at the 2015 South American U-15 Championship and 2017 South American U-17 Championship, finishing as leading goalscorer in the latter competition. He made his senior debut in 2021 and helped his nation to a runner-up finish at the 2021 Copa América, also representing Brazil at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa América in the United States.
==Club career== ===Early career=== His footballing career began in 2006, when his father took him to the branch offices of Flamengo, in the neighborhood of Mutuá, in São Gonçalo where he lived. His club document described him as a left-back.
Hailing from a poor Catholic family,<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 June 2018 |title=Real Madrid: Meet Vinicius in 44 responses: The 'dancinhas,' his idol Asensio, his desire... |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2018/06/20/5b2a19c646163fd8488b4571.html |access-date=22 December 2022 |website=MARCA in English}}</ref> Vinícius went to live in Abolição with his uncle, Ulisses, to shorten the distance to Ninho do Urubu (the "Vultures' Nest"). He started to receive financial aid from Flamengo as well as aid from entrepreneurs.<ref name="origin">{{cite web|title=Flamengo dá aumento de salário e eleva multa de Vinícius Júnior para 45 mi de euros|url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/futebol/times/flamengo/noticia/o-comeco-de-tudo-onde-o-fominha-vinicius-junior-deu-seus-primeiros-chapeus.ghtml|website=Globo Esporte|date=4 April 2017|access-date=7 June 2018|language=pt}}</ref>
Between 2007 and 2010, Vinícius attended futsal classes at Flamengo's school in São Gonçalo at the Canto do Rio, a famous club located in the centre of Niterói. Flamengo noted his potential and he decided he wanted to play football, not futsal. In August 2010, Vinícius had a trial to play for the Flamengo youth team, and he accepted an invitation to play for their football team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Score |date=23 May 2017 |url=https://www.thescore.com/liga/news/1302258}}</ref> Before, in 2009, when Vinícius was nine, he took a futsal trial for Flamengo, he was asked to come back the following year.{{citation needed|date= June 2024}}
===Flamengo=== [[File:Vinicius Junior 2018 1 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Vinícius playing for Flamengo in 2018|291x291px]]
Vinícius debuted for Flamengo on 13 May 2017 as an 82nd-minute substitute in a Brazilian Série A 1–1 draw against Atlético Mineiro.<ref>{{cite web |title= No duelo de favoritos, Flamengo e Atlético-MG empatam na estreia, e Maracanã vê estreia de joia de 16 anos |url=http://espn.uol.com.br/noticia/694612_no-duelo-de-favoritos-flamengo-e-atletico-mg-empatam-na-estreia-e-maracana-ve-estreia-de-joia-de-16-anos |publisher=espn.com.br |date=13 May 2017 |access-date=14 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=El 'merengue' Vinicius Jr. debuta a los 16 años como profesional |url=http://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/real-madrid/20170514/422551482521/el-merengue-vinicius-jr-debuta-a-los-16-anos-como-profesional.html |website=Mundo Deportivo |date=13 May 2017 |access-date=14 May 2017 |language=es |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404003724/https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/real-madrid/20170514/422551482521/el-merengue-vinicius-jr-debuta-a-los-16-anos-como-profesional.html |archive-date=4 April 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two days later he extended his contract with the club from 2019 until 2022, with a significant salary increase and a buyout clause increase from €30 million to €45 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Flamengo dá aumento de salário e eleva multa de Vinícius Júnior para 45 mi de euros |url=https://esportes.estadao.com.br/noticias/futebol,flamengo-da-aumento-de-salario-e-eleva-multa-de-vinicius-junior-para-45-mi-euros,70001785646|website=Estadão Esportes|date=16 May 2017|access-date=7 June 2018|language=pt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404003359/https://esportes.estadao.com.br/noticias/futebol,flamengo-da-aumento-de-salario-e-eleva-multa-de-vinicius-junior-para-45-mi-euros,70001785646|archive-date=4 April 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> This contract renewal was reported as being part of the transfer process of Vinícius to Real Madrid, an agreement reached between the two clubs in Gávea that week with an obligation to sell the young player in July 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Another step on the way to Real: Vinicius Junior renews with Flamengo|url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/futebol/times/flamengo/noticia/mais-um-passo-a-caminho-do-real-vinicius-junior-renova-com-o-flamengo-ate-2022.ghtml|website=Globo Esporte|date=15 May 2017|access-date=7 June 2018|language=pt}}</ref>
On 10 August 2017, Vinícius scored the first professional goal of his career in a Copa Sudamericana second round leg 2 match against Palestino in a 5–0 win for Flamengo. He scored one goal, 30 seconds after being substituted on in the 72nd minute. On 19 August, he scored his first Brazilian Série A goals for Flamengo, in a 2–0 win against Atlético Goianiense.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vinicius Junior makes first start|url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2017/06/11/593da621e2704e9a6a8b468d.html|website=Marta|date=11 June 2017 |access-date=7 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/rj/futebol/libertadores/jogo/14-03-2018/emelec-flamengo/|title=Emelec x Flamengo – Taça Libertadores 2018 |website=globoesporte.com|language=pt|access-date=10 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= New Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior in tears after playing final game for Flamengo |url=http://sport360.com/article/football/real-madrid/286992/new-real-madrid-star-vinicius-junior-in-tears-after-playing-final-game-for-flamengo |publisher=Sport360 |date=11 June 2018 |access-date=13 June 2018}}</ref>
===Real Madrid=== On 23 May 2017, La Liga club Real Madrid signed a contract to acquire Vinícius, effective after his 18th birthday on 12 July 2018 (as age 18 is the minimum age for international transfer).<ref name=pressReal>{{cite press release|url=http://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2017/05/official-announcement-vinicius-junior|title=Official Announcement: Vinicius Junior|date=23 May 2017|publisher=Real Madrid CF|access-date=3 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031201140/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2017/05/official-announcement-vinicius-junior|archive-date=31 October 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> He transferred for a reported fee of €46 million, which was at the time, the second most expensive sale of a player in the history of Brazilian football (behind only Neymar), the largest amount received by a Brazilian club for a transfer, and the highest amount ever paid by a club for a footballer under the age of 19.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/23/real-madrid-vinicius-junior-flamengo-46m-16-year-old-transfer|title=Real Madrid sign 16-year-old Vinícius Júnior from Flamengo for £39.6m|date=23 May 2017|website=The Guardian|location=London|access-date=20 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11835/10890441/real-madrid-sign-vinicius-junior-from-flamengo-for-reported-38m-fee|title=Real Madrid sign Vinicius Junior from Flamengo for reported £38m fee|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=20 July 2018}}</ref> He was originally scheduled to return to Brazil on loan in July 2018.<ref name=pressReal/>
====2018–21: Development and adaptation to Spain==== On 20 July 2018, he was officially presented as a Real Madrid player.<ref>{{cite web |date=20 July 2018 |title=Vinicius Jr. presentation at the Santiago Bernabéu |url=https://realmadrid.com/en/news/2018/07/vinicius-jr-presentation-at-the-santiago-bernabeu |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523211206/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2018/07/vinicius-jr-presentation-at-the-santiago-bernabeu |archive-date=23 May 2023 |publisher=Real Madrid C.F.}}</ref> He was issued squad number 28.<ref name="SMCT">{{cite news|title=Vinicius makes his case for regular minutes |first1=Santiago |last1=Siguero |first2=Euan |last2=McTear |work=Marca |location=Spain |publisher=Unidad Editorial|date=1 November 2018|access-date=1 November 2018|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2018/11/01/5bdacb5746163faaba8b463e.html}}</ref> He made his debut on 29 September, coming in as an 87th-minute substitute in a goalless draw against Atlético Madrid.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2018/09/29/5bafe36c46163f96708b4577.html|title=Fabulous Madrid derby has everything but goals|work=Marca|location=Spain|date=29 September 2018}}</ref> Vinícius made his first start on 31 October in a 4–0 Copa del Rey away victory against Melilla,<ref>{{cite news|title=Vinicius reignites Real: Brazilian leads way as Solari era starts with Copa win at Melilla |first=Arch |last=Bell |date=31 October 2018|access-date=1 November 2018|work=Marca|location=Spain|publisher=Unidad Editorial|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2018/10/31/5bda116de5fdea47558b45c8.html}}</ref> contributing with assists for both Marco Asensio and Álvaro Odriozola in what ''Marca'' recognised as a Man of the Match performance.<ref name="SMCT"/> He scored his first goal on 3 November 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute in a 2–0 victory against Real Valladolid.<ref>{{cite news|title=Vinicius changes Real's luck |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2018/11/03/5bdde14422601df6698b4602.html|access-date=3 November 2018|work=Marca|location=Spain}}</ref> He scored four goals between his debut on 29 September and 7 February 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47162391|title=Vinicius Junior: Who is the teenager Real Madrid fans adore?|date=7 February 2019|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=28 August 2019}}</ref> On 6 March, he tore a ligament during a loss to Ajax, which ended his season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11835/11656814/vinicius-jr-tears-ligament-in-real-madrids-shock-champions-league-defeat-to-ajax |title=Vinicius Jr tears ligament in Real Madrid's shock Champions League defeat to Ajax |publisher=Sky Sports |date=6 March 2019 |access-date=5 September 2021}}</ref>
On 11 December 2019, he scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in a 3–1 away win over Club Brugge in the 2019–20 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50749103 |title=Club Bruges 1–3 Real Madrid |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 December 2019}}</ref> On 1 March 2020, he scored the first goal in a 2–0 win for Real in El Clásico against Barcelona.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51690580|title=Real Madrid 2–0 Barcelona|date=1 March 2020|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=1 March 2020}}</ref> He made 29 appearances during the league season, while scoring three goals, as Real Madrid won the 2019–20 La Liga.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2020/07/17/5f10db2146163f3c2c8b45d7.html|title=Real Madrid win the longest LaLiga Santander season|date=17 July 2020|access-date=17 July 2020|website=Marca|location=Spain}}</ref>
On 6 April 2021, Vinícius scored two goals in a 3–1 win against Liverpool in the first leg of the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0268-11fa6c6b579a-34f1dc121385-1000--real-madrid-3-1-liverpool-vinicius-junior-strikes-twice/ |title=Real Madrid 3–1 Liverpool: Vinícius Júnior strikes twice |publisher=UEFA |date=6 April 2021}}</ref> Real Madrid would advance to the semi-finals where they lost to eventual champions Chelsea.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2021/may/05/havertz-and-werner-deliver-comic-duo-for-chelsea-as-kante-steals-show|title=N'Golo Kanté steals show for Chelsea even if forwards still lack cutting edge|website=The Guardian|location=London|date=5 May 2021|accessdate=31 October 2021}}</ref>
====2021–22: Breakthrough, second league title, and UEFA Champions League victory==== [[File:Ofrenda de la Liga y la Champions-18-L.Millán (52108254687).jpg|thumb|300x300px|Vinícius Jr. in a trophy presentation ceremony at Virgin of Almudena in 2022]] Vinícius started the 2021–22 season by scoring Real Madrid's fourth goal in a 4–1 away victory over Alavés on the opening day of the La Liga campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/match/temporada-2021-2022-laliga-santander-deportivo-alaves-real-madrid-1|title=Deportivo Alavés 1–4 Real Madrid|website=La Liga|date=14 August 2021|accessdate=31 October 2021}}</ref> On 22 August, he scored a brace in a 3–3 draw against Levante coming off the bench, which earned him a first-team place, ahead of Eden Hazard.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/610756 |title=Real Madrid rally for Levante draw through Vinicius in thrilling game |publisher=ESPN |date=22 August 2021 }}</ref> On 30 October, he scored twice as Real Madrid won 2–1 at Elche to go top of the La Liga table.<ref name=Elche /> The goals were his sixth and seventh of the league season and his eighth and ninth overall, surpassing his total output of six goals in all competitions during the 2020–21 season in just 14 matches.<ref name=Elche>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/real-madrid-espreal_madrid/story/4508922/vinicius-jr-leads-real-madrid-again-with-brace-in-win-over-elche|title=Vinicius Jr. leads Real Madrid again with brace in win over Elche|publisher=ESPN FC|date=30 October 2021|accessdate=31 October 2021}}</ref> On 12 May 2022, he scored his first hat-trick for Real Madrid in a 6–0 victory over Levante.<ref name=Levante>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=610416|title=Real Madrid cruise with Vinicius hat trick as Levante relegated|publisher=ESPN FC|date=12 May 2022|accessdate=13 May 2022}}</ref>
On 28 May, he scored the only goal in a 1–0 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final to clinch Madrid their record 14th UEFA Champions League title.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/vinicius-goal-champions-league-final-real-madrid-liverpool-result/klg5gwmdz5b3dcomysxszxtg |title=Vinicius Jr goal in Champions League final gives Real Madrid result vs Liverpool |website=Sporting News |date=28 May 2022 }}</ref> Vinícius ended the 2021–22 season as Real Madrid's second-best goalscorer with 22 goals in all competitions, only behind his attacking partner Karim Benzema.<ref name="outrageous">{{cite web |url=https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/12-outrageous-stats-vinicius-jr-000200893.html? |title=12 outrageous stats from Vinicius Jr's stunning 21–22 season at Real Madrid |publisher=uk.sports.yahoo.com |last1=Law |first1=Joshua |date=28 May 2022 |access-date=11 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529233702/https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/12-outrageous-stats-vinicius-jr-000200893.html |archive-date=29 May 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> For his performances Vinícius was named the inaugural Champions League young player of the season<ref>{{cite news|date=31 May 2022|title=Vinícius Júnior named 2021/22 UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0275-1546501dd977-8e9d95ac3c37-1000--vinicius-junior-named-2021-22-uefa-champions-league-young-playe/|access-date=31 May 2022|publisher=UEFA}}</ref> and included in the 2021–22 UEFA Champions League team of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 May 2022 |title=2021/22 UEFA Champions League Team of the Season |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0275-154650014aef-02a394f30379-1000--2021-22-uefa-champions-league-team-of-the-season/ |access-date=5 February 2023 |publisher=UEFA}}</ref>
====2022–23: Inheritance of the No. 7 shirt and Club World Cup title==== On 11 February, Real Madrid defeated Al-Hilal 5–3 in the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup final as Vinícius scored a brace to claim the tournament's best player award and his second Club World Cup title.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/vinicius-junior-federico-valverde-luciano-vietto-golden-silver-bronze-ball-awards-club-world-cup-morocco-2022 |title=Vinicius grabs Golden Ball on triple-V podium |publisher=FIFA |date=11 February 2023 |access-date=11 February 2023}}</ref> On 21 February 2023, Vinícius scored two first-half goals to power Real Madrid's 5–2 comeback win at Anfield against Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League knockout stage round of 16 tie.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Howarth |first1=Matthew |last2=Hunter |first2=Graham |title=Liverpool 2–5 Real Madrid: Vinícius Júnior and Benzema score two each in stunning comeback from Champions League holders |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/027e-175e80a9e6f5-5ebd3603b3b1-1000--liverpool-2-5-real-madrid-vinicius-junior-and-benzema-score-/ |date=21 February 2023 |access-date=21 February 2023 |publisher=UEFA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=McNulty|first=Phil|title=Liverpool 2–5 Real Madrid: Hosts thrashed by holders in Champions League last 16|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64708314|publisher=BBC|date=21 February 2023|access-date=21 February 2023}}</ref>
On 9 May 2023, Vinícius made a significant contribution to Real Madrid's performance in the first leg of the semi-final against Manchester City, scoring a remarkable long-range goal in the 36th minute.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Darko |first=Isaac |date=9 May 2023 |title=Vinicius Junior Scores a Cracker in Real Madrid vs Manchester City; Video |url=https://sportsbrief.com/football/40190-vinicius-junior-scores-a-cracker-real-madrid-manchester-city-a-rocket/ |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=SportsBrief – Sport news. |archive-date=29 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929034205/https://www.legit.ng/sports/football/1607658-vinicius-junior-scores-a-cracker-real-madrid-manchester-city-a-rocket/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Alongside teammates Rodrygo and Karim Benzema, he created numerous opportunities, showcasing Real Madrid's counter-attacking prowess against Manchester City's dominant possession.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 May 2023 |title=Real Madrid 1–1 Manchester City: Vinicius Jr and Kevin De Bruyne both score stunners as tense first leg ends even |url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/champions-league/2021-2022/real-madrid-v-manchester-city-champions-league-live_sto9595026/story.shtml |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Eurosport}}</ref> The match ultimately ended in a 1–1 draw.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Real Madrid-Man City |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2037797--real-madrid-vs-man-city/ |access-date=16 June 2023 |publisher=UEFA}}</ref> However, in the second leg of the semi-final, Real Madrid suffered a crushing 4–0 defeat against City, thereby ending their campaign for the Champions League title.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Man City-Real Madrid |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2037800--man-city-vs-real-madrid/ |access-date=16 June 2023 |publisher=UEFA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Man City thrash Real to reach Champions League final|publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65611315 |access-date=16 June 2023}}</ref> He was selected in the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League team of the tournament.<ref name=":2">{{cite news |date=11 June 2023 |title=2022/23 UEFA Champions League Team of the Season |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0282-183b47300272-09e23ed6220b-1000--2022-23-team-of-the-season/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123173937/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0282-183b47300272-09e23ed6220b-1000--2022-23-team-of-the-season/ |archive-date=23 January 2024 |access-date=11 June 2023 |publisher=UEFA}}</ref>
In the aftermath of Hazard's departure, Real Madrid confirmed that Vinícius, who previously wore the No. 20 shirt, would be sporting the club's iconic No. 7 jersey, once worn by Cristiano Ronaldo and Raúl, from 2023–24 season onwards.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 June 2023 |title=Vinicius to wear iconic No. 7 Real Madrid jersey |url=https://www.espn.in/football/story/_/id/37840383/vinicius-jr-wear-cristiano-ronaldo-no-7-hazard-leaves-real-madrid |access-date=16 June 2023 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Darko |first=Isaac |date=13 June 2023 |title=5 Greatest Players To Wear Real Madrid's No. 7 Shirt As Vinicius Junior Joins Illustrious List |url=https://sportsbrief.com/football/37409-5-greatest-players-wear-real-madrids-number-7-shirt/ |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=SportsBrief – Sport news. |archive-date=24 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924211211/https://sportsbrief.com/football/37409-5-greatest-players-wear-real-madrids-number-7-shirt/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
====2023–24: Third La Liga title, Second Champions League trophy, and becoming club talisman==== On 19 August 2023, Vinícius scored the decisive goal in a La Liga match against Almería, contributing to Real Madrid's victory alongside teammate Jude Bellingham, who netted the previous two goals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cons |first=Roddy |date=19 August 2023 |title=Almería vs Real Madrid: Bellingham double, score, goals, highlights {{!}} LaLiga 2023–24 |url=https://en.as.com/soccer/almeria-vs-real-madrid-online-score-stats-and-updates-laliga-2023-24-n/ |access-date=31 August 2023 |website=Diario AS}}</ref> On 25 August 2023, Vinícius sustained an injury to his right biceps femoris muscle during a league match against Celta, a game that Real Madrid ultimately won 1–0.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 August 2023 |title=Real Madrid win despite Vinicius Junior injury as Jude Bellingham scores fourth goal in first three matches |url=https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/real-madrid-win-despite-vinicius-junior-injury-as-jude-bellingham-scores-fourth-goal-in-first-three-matches/ |access-date=31 August 2023 |website=CBS Sports}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vini Jr. medical report {{!}} Real Madrid CF |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2023/08/28/vini-jr-medical-report |access-date=31 August 2023 |website=Real Madrid CF}}</ref> On 27 September 2023, Vinícius made his return to play in a league fixture against Las Palmas after recovering from his injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brennan |first=Joe |date=27 September 2023 |title=Real Madrid vs Las Palmas |url=https://en.as.com/soccer/real-madrid-vs-las-palmas-live-online-score-stats-updates-laliga-ea-sports-2023-24-n/ |access-date=27 September 2023 |website=Diario AS}}</ref> On 3 October, he got his first Champions League goal of the season, netting the 1–1 equaliser in Madrid's away game against Napoli, which eventually ended in a 3–2 win.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Napoli 2–3 Real Madrid: Bellingham helps Los Blancos to entertaining victory in Naples|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66999126|publisher=BBC|date=3 October 2023|access-date=3 October 2023}}</ref>
Real Madrid announced on 31 October 2023 that they had extended Vinícius' contract until 30 June 2027.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 October 2023 |title=Official Announcement: Vini Jr. renews until 2027 |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2023/10/31/official-announcement-vini-jr-renews-until-2027 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112011537/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2023/10/31/official-announcement-vini-jr-renews-until-2027 |archive-date=12 November 2023 |access-date=31 October 2023 |publisher=Real Madrid CF}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=31 October 2023 |title=Vinicius Jr extends Real contract |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67271160 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108170716/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67271160 |archive-date=8 November 2023 |access-date=31 October 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> On 14 January 2024, he scored a hat-trick in a 4–1 victory over Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/14/real-madrid-barcelona-spanish-super-cup-final |title=Vinícius Júnior leads Real Madrid to Super Cup triumph over Barcelona |work=The Guardian|location=London |date=14 January 2024 }}</ref> Throughout the month of March, Vinícius went on a rich goalscoring run, scoring six goals in four matches across all competitions, including a brace against Valencia at Mestalla Stadium, and the tie winning goal against RB Leipzig in the Champions League last 16 to help Real Madrid advance to the quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68482757 |title=Real Madrid 1-1 RB Leipzig (agg 2-1): Vinicius Junior makes visitors pay for missed chances |work=BBC Sport|date=6 March 2024 }}</ref> On 21 April, he scored another goal against Barcelona in Real Madrid's 3–2 home win to help Los Blancos virtually seal the league title. On 30 April, he netted a brace in a 2–2 away draw against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final first leg; hence, he managed to score at that round for the third consecutive season, in addition to reaching at least 20 goals in all competitions for the third straight season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hincks |first=Michael |url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/champions-league/2023-2024/bayern-munich-v-real-madrid-uefa-champions-league-live_sto10121860/story.shtml |title=Bayern Munich 2–2 Real Madrid – Thrilling UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg ends all square |publisher=Eurosport |date=30 April 2024 }}</ref> He then followed up this performance with another man of the match performance against Bayern in the second leg, helping Real Madrid win 2–1 and advance to the final.
On 1 June, Vinícius scored in Real Madrid's 2–0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 UEFA Champions League Final, winning his second trophy in the competition.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pettit|first=Mark|title=Real Madrid win Champions League: Carvajal and Vinícius Júnior see off Dortmund|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/028e-1b07e18d875a-ba78e4b9d9fc-1000--report-madrid-win-champions-league/|publisher=UEFA|date=1 June 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=1 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601213855/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/028e-1b07e18d875a-ba78e4b9d9fc-1000--report-madrid-win-champions-league/|url-status=live}}</ref> Aged 23 years and 325 days, he became the youngest player to score in two Champions League finals, beating Lionel Messi's record by thirteen days.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Borussia Dortmund 0–2 Real Madrid: Carvajal and Vinícius secure 15th European crown|url=https://www.beinsports.com/en-my/football/uefa-champions-league/articles/borussia-dortmund-0-2-real-madrid-carvajal-and-vinicius-secure-15th-european-crown-2024-06-01|publisher=beIN SPORTS|date=1 June 2024|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> Two days later, Vinícius was named the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season, registering six goals and five assists in Madrid's trophy-winning campaign.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/028e-1b0b054fab71-50d454377428-1000--player-of-the-season-vinicius-junior/|title=Vinícius Júnior named 2023/24 UEFA Champions League Player of the Season|publisher=UEFA|date=3 June 2024|access-date=3 June 2024|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603111149/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/028e-1b0b054fab71-50d454377428-1000--player-of-the-season-vinicius-junior/|url-status=live}}</ref>
====2024–25: Best FIFA Men's Player and 100th goal for Real Madrid==== On 22 October 2024, Vinícius scored his first continental hat-trick in a 5–2 comeback win against Borussia Dortmund.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 October 2024 |title=Real Madrid vs. B. Dortmund |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2042043--real-madrid-vs-b-dortmund/ |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=UEFA}}</ref> He finished second in the 2024 Ballon d'Or behind Rodri.<ref name="bbc.com">{{Cite web |date=5 November 2024 |title='Him against the world' - how Vinicius Jr's fight goes beyond football |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cp9zn5439v0o/ |access-date=5 November 2024 |website=BBC}}</ref> On 17 December, Vinícius was named The Best FIFA Men's Player for 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vinícius Jr named The Best Men's Player|url=https://www.fifa.com/en/the-best-fifa-football-awards/2024/articles/mens-player-2024-winner-vinicius-jr|publisher=FIFA|date=17 December 2024|access-date=17 December 2024|archive-date=17 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217181603/https://www.fifa.com/en/the-best-fifa-football-awards/2024/articles/mens-player-2024-winner-vinicius-jr|url-status=live}}</ref> The following day, he assisted Kylian Mbappé's opener and converted a penalty in a 3–0 final win over Pachuca, as Madrid were crowned the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup champions. With this performance, Vinícius received the Player of the Tournament and Golden Ball awards.<ref name="2024 FIC"/> On 22 January 2025, Vinícius scored his 100th and 101st goals for Real Madrid in a 5–1 Champions League win over Red Bull Salzburg, becoming the 23rd player to achieve this feat for the club.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/news/football/first-team/latest-news/vini-jr-alcanza-su-gol-numero-100-con-el-real-madrid-22-01-2025 |title=Vini Jr. passes 100 goals for Real Madrid |publisher=Real Madrid CF |date=22 January 2025 |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> On 26 February, he took to the pitch at the Reale Arena wearing Real Madrid's captain armband for the first time in his career, as the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals against Real Sociedad ended 1–0 in the favor of ''Los Blancos''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/news/football/first-team/latest-news/vini-jr-capitan-es-algo-muy-especial-un-orgullo-26-02-2025 |title=Vini Jr.: "Captaining the biggest club in the world is a huge honour" |publisher=Real Madrid CF |date=26 February 2025 |access-date=27 February 2025}}</ref>
====2025–26==== On 17 February 2026, Vinícius scored the only goal in a 1–0 away win over Benfica in the Champions League knockout phase play-offs, reaching his 31st goal in the competition to become the second-highest Brazilian scorer, overtaking Kaká and trailing only Neymar.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/uefa-champions-league/articles/benfica-0-1-real-madrid-vinicius-scores-wondergoal-but-chaotic-scenes-mar-first-leg-win-2026-02-17 |title=Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid: Vinicius scores wondergoal but chaotic scenes mar first-leg win |publisher=beIN SPORTS |date=17 February 2026 }}</ref> A month later, on 11 March, he provided an assist in a 3–0 win over Manchester City, reaching his 31st assist in the Champions League and equaling his club's record in the competition set by Cristiano Ronaldo.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://getfootballnewsspain.com/vinicius-jr-equals-all-time-cristiano-ronaldo-record-in-real-madrid-vs-man-city/ |title=Vinícius Jr. equals all-time Cristiano Ronaldo record in Real Madrid vs Man City |publisher=Get Spanish Football News |date=11 March 2026 }}</ref>
==International career== ===2015–2019: Success at youth level=== On 30 October 2015, Vinícius was called up for Brazil by coach Guilherme Dalla Déa for the South American U-15 Championship. Vinícius and Brazil won the U-15 title and he was the 2nd top-scorer of the tournament with seven goals. He was named player of the tournament and continued to perform which helped him convince Flamengo to sign him by the age of 16.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Darwen |first=Chris |date=14 April 2020|title=Vinicius Junior 2019/20 – scout report|url=https://totalfootballanalysis.com/opinion/vinicius-junior-2019-20-scout-report|access-date=27 December 2020|website=Total Football Analysis Magazine}}</ref> On 24 June 2016, Vinícius was called up for a friendly against Chile U-17 and scored two goals and provided two assists in the 4–2 victory.
In March 2017, Vinícius debuted in the South American U-17 Championship for Brazil with a goal in a 3–0 victory over Peru.<ref>{{cite web|title=CONMEBOL – SUB 17 Chile 2017 FASE Inicial Grupo B – Fecha 1|url=http://estadisticas.conmebol.com/html/v3/index.html?channel=deportes.futbol.sudamericanosub17.387715&lang=es_LA|website=CONMEBOL.com|date=24 February 2017|access-date=8 June 2018}}</ref> In the final stage, he scored two goals in a 3–0 win over Ecuador and two goals in a 3–0 victory over Colombia, securing Brazil's place in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India, where Brazil (without Vinícius) eventually would finish third.<ref>{{cite web|title=CONMEBOL – SUB 17 Chile 2017 FASE Final – Fecha 3 |url=http://estadisticas.conmebol.com/html/v3/index.html?channel=deportes.futbol.sudamericanosub17.387738&lang=es_LA|website=CONMEBOL.com|date=13 March 2017|access-date=8 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=CONMEBOL – SUB 17 Chile 2017 FASE Final – Fecha 4|url=http://estadisticas.conmebol.com/html/v3/index.html?channel=deportes.futbol.sudamericanosub17.387742&lang=es_LA|website=CONMEBOL.com|date=16 March 2017|access-date=8 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Vinicius Junior will not go to Under-17 World Cup|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2017/09/29/59ce8dbbe5fdea6f0c8b4686.html|website=Marca|location=Spain|date=29 September 2017|access-date=9 January 2019}}</ref> After leading Brazil to win the South American U-17 Championship, he was named the tournament's best player and was top goal-scorer with seven goals.<ref name=SA17/>
===2019–2022: Senior and World Cup debuts=== [[File:Brazil vs Serbia WC2022 Vinicius Jr and serbian players.jpg|thumb|300x300px|Vinícius with Brazil in 2022 FIFA World Cup group stage match against Serbia]] On 28 February 2019, Vinícius was called up to the Brazil national team for the first time for friendlies against Panama and the Czech Republic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/vinicius-junior-called-brazil-national-team-first-time/|title=Vinicius Junior called up to Brazil national team for first time|website=Sportsnet|publisher=Rogers Sports & Media|date=28 February 2019|access-date=16 March 2019}}</ref> However, he suffered an injury while playing for Real Madrid, and David Neres was called up in his place in March.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.beinsports.com/us/soccer/news/brazil-replace-injured-vinicius-with-uncapp-2/1134029 |title=Brazil Replace Injured Vinicius With Uncapped Ajax Star David Neres|website=BeIN Sports|publisher=BeIN Media Group|date=8 March 2019 |access-date=17 March 2019}}</ref> In May, he was excluded from Brazil's final 23-man squad for the 2019 Copa América by manager Tite.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2019/05/17/5cde9af1268e3efd328b45fa.html|first=Santi|last=Siguero|title=Brasil deja a Vinícius y Marcelo sin Copa América|newspaper=Marca|location=Madrid|publisher=Unidad Editorial|date=17 May 2019|access-date=21 May 2019|language=es}}</ref> The same year on 10 September, he debuted as a 72nd-minute substitute in Brazil's 1–0 defeat against Peru.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Fernando|last=Kallás|title=Vinicius makes international debut as Brazil stumble|url=https://en.as.com/en/2019/09/11/soccer/1568186634_024172.html|newspaper=Diario AS|publisher=PRISA|date=11 September 2019|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
Vinícius was named in Brazil's 2021 Copa América squad by Tite on 9 June 2021, which was held on home soil.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 June 2021 |title=Tite define convocados da Seleção Brasileira para a Copa América 2021 |url=https://www.cbf.com.br/selecao-brasileira/noticias/selecao-masculina/selecao-brasileira-e-convocada-para-a-copa-america-2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107202613/https://www.cbf.com.br/selecao-brasileira/noticias/selecao-masculina/selecao-brasileira-e-convocada-para-a-copa-america-2021 |archive-date=7 November 2022 |access-date=9 June 2021|publisher=Brazilian Football Confederation|language=pt}}</ref> He made a substitute appearance in his country's 1–0 defeat against rivals Argentina in the final on 10 July.<ref name="2021CAFinalGuardian">{{cite news |last=Graham |first=Bryan Armen |date=10 July 2021 |title=Argentina 1–0 Brazil: Copa América final – as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2021/jul/10/argentina-v-brazil-copa-america-final-live|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|access-date=13 July 2021 }}</ref>
On 24 March 2022, Vinícius scored his debut goal for the national team, in a 4–0 home victory against Chile in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match at the Maracanã Stadium.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Brazil 4-0 Chile: Vinicius Junior scores first international goal in World Cup qualifying win|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60869947|website=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=25 March 2022|access-date=11 June 2022 }}</ref> On 7 November 2022, Vinícius was named in the Brazil squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup by Tite.<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 November 2022 |title=Seleção Brasileira está convocada para a Copa do Mundo FIFA Qatar 2022 |url=https://www.cbf.com.br/selecao-brasileira/noticias/selecao-masculina/selecao-brasileira-esta-convocada-para-a-copa-do-mundo-fifa-qatar-2022|publisher=Brazilian Football Federation|access-date=7 November 2022|language=pt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207032652/https://www.cbf.com.br/selecao-brasileira/noticias/selecao-masculina/selecao-brasileira-esta-convocada-para-a-copa-do-mundo-fifa-qatar-2022|archive-date=7 December 2023}}</ref> In the opening group match against Serbia on 24 November, he set-up Richarlison's second goal to help Brazil to a 2–0 victory.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2022/nov/24/brazil-v-serbia-world-cup-2022-live |title=Brazil 2–0 Serbia: World Cup 2022 – as it happened|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|date=24 November 2022 |access-date=17 December 2022 }}</ref> He scored his first FIFA World Cup goal in a 4–1 victory against South Korea in the round of 16 on 5 December, also setting up Lucas Paquetá's goal, helping Brazil qualify for the quarter-finals,<ref>{{Cite web|first1=Rohan|last1=Sharma|first2=James|last2=Brownsell|first3=David|last3=Child|title=Brazil vs South Korea 4–1: World Cup 2022 – as it happened |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/liveblog/2022/12/5/live-brazil-vs-south-korea-world-cup |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529022325/https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/liveblog/2022/12/5/live-brazil-vs-south-korea-world-cup |archive-date=29 May 2023 |access-date=5 December 2022 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref> where they were eliminated by Croatia four days later following a 4–2 penalty shoot-out loss after a 1–1 draw.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2022/dec/09/croatia-v-brazil-world-cup-2022-quarter-final-live-score-update |title=World Cup quarter-final: Croatia 1–1 Brazil (4–2 pens) – as it happened|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=9 December 2022 |access-date=17 December 2022}}</ref>
On 26 March 2024, Vinícius served as captain of the national team for the first time in a friendly match against Spain at the Santiago Bernabéu, his club's home ground.<ref>{{Cite web |last=García|first=Adriana |date=26 March 2024 |title=Vinícius Júnior to captain Brazil in Spain anti-racism game |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/vincius-jnior-captain-brazil-spain-anti-racism-game/story?id=108510436|website=ABC News|location=United States|publisher=American Broadcasting Company|access-date=27 March 2024}}</ref> At the 2024 Copa América, Vinícius scored his first two goals in the tournament in Brazil's second group match, a 4–1 win against Paraguay,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://copaamerica.com/en/news/vinicius-junior-goal-copa-america-brazil-paraguay |title=Vinícius Júnior scored for the first time at CONMEBOL Copa América against Paraguay|website=Copa América|publisher=CONMEBOL|date=29 June 2024 |access-date=10 July 2024 }}</ref> also picking up a yellow card; he picked up another booking in his nation's final group match, a 1–1 draw against Colombia, which ruled him out of the quarter-finals. In his absence, Brazil were eliminated following a 4–2 penalty shoot-out defeat after a goalless draw against Uruguay.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40486946/copa-america-brazil-boss-slams-ref-booking-vinicius-jr |title=Brazil boss slams 'very strange' Vinícius booking|website=ESPN|date=3 July 2024 |access-date=10 July 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40524914/vinicius-jr-brazil-copa-america-exit-was-my-fault |title=Vini Jr. on Brazil Copa exit: 'It was my fault'|website=ESPN|date=9 July 2024 |access-date=10 July 2024 }}</ref>
==Style of play and reception== [[File:Vinicius Jr 2018 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|Vinícius playing for Real Madrid in 2018]]
Shortly after his arrival at Real Madrid in July 2018, ESPN journalist Dermot Corrigan described Vinícius as a "zippy left winger or second striker".<ref>{{cite news|title=International Champions Cup: Future stars of top Premier League, European clubs|publisher=ESPN FC|date=19 July 2018|access-date=19 July 2018|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/international-champions-cup/2326/blog/post/3567615/international-champions-cup-future-stars-of-top-premier-league-european-club}}</ref> A versatile player, although he is usually deployed on the left flank, he is capable of playing anywhere along the front line, and has also been used on the right or in the centre.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.90min.com/posts/6288023-i-don-t-fear-anything-vinicius-jr-lays-down-the-gauntlet-after-superb-display-against-alaves |title='I Don't Fear Anything': Vinicius Jr Lays Down the Gauntlet After Superb Display Against Alaves |publisher=90min.com |author=Sean Drury |date=4 February 2019 |access-date=13 March 2019 |archive-date=4 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404015551/https://www.90min.com/posts/6288023-i-don-t-fear-anything-vinicius-jr-lays-down-the-gauntlet-after-superb-display-against-alaves |url-status=dead }}</ref> Possessing explosive acceleration, and excellent pace, agility, balance, technique, flair, dribbling skills, and close control at speed, as well as significant power, physical strength, and trickery on the ball, despite his slender build,<ref name="prodigy">{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2699786-scouting-notebook-brazilian-prodigy-vinicius-junior-flashing-ludicrious-talent |title=Scouting Notebook: Brazilian Prodigy Vinicius Junior Flashing Ludicrous Talent |publisher=Bleacher Report |author1=Sam Tighe |date=24 March 2017 |access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref><ref name="10Y"/><ref name="NewBrazilians">{{cite web |url=https://www.beinsports.com/au/laliga/news/the-new-brazilians-set-to-light-up-el-clasico/1125039 |title=The new Brazilians set to light up El Clasico |work=BeinSports |author=Tom Findlay |date=26 February 2019 |access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref> he is known for his movement, energy, ability to run at defences, change direction quickly, and beat opponents in one on one situations while in possession of the ball.<ref name="limelight">{{cite web |url=https://en.as.com/en/2019/02/27/opinion/1551254569_216664.html |title=Vinicius and Messi steal the limelight |publisher=AS.com |last=Relaño |first=Alfredo |date=27 February 2019 |access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/02/24/levante-1-2-real-madrid-report-ratings-reaction-bales-penalty-seals-win-los-blancos |title=Levante 1–2 Real Madrid: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Bale's Penalty Seals Win for Los Blancos |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=24 February 2019 |access-date=3 June 2022}}</ref>
Regarded as a promising young player,<ref name="10Y">{{cite web |url=https://www.thescore.com/bund/news/1678364 |title=10 youngsters to watch in 2019: Vinicius Junior headlines exciting group |publisher=The Score |author1=Anthony Lopopolo |date=27 December 2018 |access-date=13 March 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.as.com/en/2018/11/08/football/1541696722_544110.html |title=Europe meets Vinicius – a star in the making |work=AS |last=Forjanes |first=Carlos |date=8 November 2018 |access-date=10 April 2021 |archive-date=10 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410210442/https://en.as.com/en/2018/11/08/football/1541696722_544110.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> he is considered to be a dynamic, intelligent, hard-working, and nimble winger, with a low centre of gravity, as well as impressive passing and awareness. Moreover, he is known in for his eye for the final ball, and ability to provide assists to teammates, which make him an effective playmaker. Although he is also capable of scoring goals himself,<ref name="prodigy"/><ref name="NewBrazilians"/> his shooting and goalscoring were initially cited by pundits as areas in need of improvement,<ref name="MRCP">{{cite web |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2018/08/01/5b60d91ae5fdea3c568b45d8.html |title=Zico: Vinicius needs to improve his shooting |work=Marca|location=Spain|author1=Virtudes Sánchez |date=1 August 2018 |access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref> as his lack of end product was often a source of criticism in the media in his first few seasons at Real Madrid.<ref name="outrageous"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tsn.ca/soccer/vinicius-junior-turns-playmaker-to-cue-real-madrid-s-win-at-osasuna-1.1921081 |title=Vinícius Junior turns playmaker to cue Real Madrid's win at Osasuna |publisher=TSN |date=18 February 2023 |access-date=16 January 2024 }}</ref> In June 2017, Vinícius appeared at 39th place on ''The Telegraph'''s list of the best under-21 players in the world. He was the only player playing in South America at the time to appear on the list.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jornal põe Jesus, Gabigol e Vinicius Jr. em lista de melhores sub-21 do mundo|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/futebol/futebol-internacional/noticia/jornal-poe-jesus-gabigol-e-vinicius-jr-em-lista-de-melhores-sub-21-do-mundo.ghtml|website=Globo Esporte|date=20 June 2017|access-date=7 June 2018|language=pt}}</ref> In November 2018, former Argentina international frontman José Luis Calderón credited Vinícius' "general enthusiasm, his ability to make things happen, the joy and good vibrations he transmits, his speed, the fact he's different and the fact he's daring. To sum up, he has a spark that could be used by a team that has been plain in recent matches".<ref>{{cite news|title=Vinicius is a genuine threat|first=José Luis|last=Calderón|author-link=José Luis Calderón|date=1 November 2018|access-date=1 November 2018|work=Marca|location=Spain|publisher=Unidad Editorial|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/opinion/2018/11/01/5bdad01446163f5e998b465b.html}}</ref> In his youth with Flamengo, he was criticised, however, by several football figures, fans, and the press for "doing too many tricks", and for "[t]oo much individualism, not enough teamwork".<ref name="rise of Vinicius">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3334724/2022/05/28/vinicius-junior-real-madrid/ |title=The rise of Vinicius Junior and how Ancelotti brought his Real career to life |work=The Athletic |last1=Lang |first1=Jack |last2=Corrigan |first2=Dermot |date=28 May 2022 |access-date=3 June 2022 }}</ref>
During the 2021–22 season, Vinícius had a breakthrough season with Real Madrid, and his goal scoring and assist output increased dramatically, enabling him to form an effective offensive partnership from the left wing with striker Karim Benzema.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/spanish-laliga/story/4668916/karim-benzemavinicius-junior-and-pedri-lead-laliga-awards-for-2021-22 |title=Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior and Pedri lead LaLiga awards for 2021–22 |publisher=ESPN |date=25 May 2022 |access-date=2 June 2022 }}</ref> Regarding his change in form, Vinícus commented in December 2021: "I think I've improved in many things, but above all in my calmness in my play, I'm doing things with more tranquillity and more quality too."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2021/12/17/61bcfd55ca47415b2e8b4574.html |title=Vinicius: I've improved, I'm doing things with more tranquillity and more quality |work=MARCA |date=17 December 2021 |access-date=2 June 2022 }}</ref> The club's manager Carlo Ancelotti also praised him for his defensive work-rate and positioning, in addition to his creative abilities<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.football-espana.net/2021/12/17/vinicius-junior-real-madrid-improved |title=Vinicius details what he has improved most amid fine form |publisher=Football España |last1=Kemble |first1=Jamie |date=17 December 2021 |access-date=2 June 2022 }}</ref> and talent, noting that he was able to improve upon his tactical knowledge and physical condition throughout the course of the season,<ref name="outrageous"/> as well as his finishing.<ref name="rise of Vinicius"/> His performances led the Spanish press to compare him to compatriot Neymar.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2021/09/22/614af60a46163f26a78b45d4.html |title=Have Real Madrid found the new Neymar in Vinicius? |work=MARCA |date=22 September 2021 |access-date=3 June 2022 }}</ref> Following his goal in Real Madrid's victory in the 2022 Champions League final, Neymar himself described Vinícius as "the best player in the world."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/neymar-calls-vinicius-jr-the-worlds-best-player-ahead-of-karim-benzema-and-kylian-mbappe/ |title=Neymar calls Vinicius Jr. the world's best player ahead of Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe |publisher=CBSSports.com |last1=Booth |first1=Chuck |date=29 May 2022 |access-date=3 June 2022 }}</ref> Later that month, Ed McCambridge of ''FourFourTwo'' ranked Vinícius as the second–best left winger in the world.<ref name="10 best left-wingers">{{Cite web |author1=Ed McCambridge Contributions from Mark White |date=11 March 2022 |title=Ranked! The 10 best left-wingers in the world right now |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ranked-the-10-best-left-wingers-in-the-world |access-date=31 May 2022 |website=fourfourtwo.com}}</ref> Vinícius was also used in a free role as a left-sided forward or striker in a 4–3–1–2 formation during the 2023–24 season by manager Carlo Ancelotti; in this position, although he operated in more central areas, he was still given the freedom to move out wide or switch positions and link-up with Rodrygo on the other side of the pitch.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13144511/carlo-ancelotti-s-real-madrid-success-is-triumph-of-man-management-but-a-tactical-idea-too-in-his-own-way |title=Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid success is triumph of man-management but a tactical idea, too, in its own way |work=Sky Sports |last1=Bate |first1=Adam |language=en |date=29 May 2024 |access-date=30 May 2024 }}</ref>
During his spell at Real Madrid, Vinícius has been criticized for his perceived lack of discipline and sportsmanship on the field.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Sanderson |first=Tom |title=Real Madrid Believes Vinicius Jr. Is Damaging Club's Image, Reports SPORT |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2024/03/17/real-madrid-believes-vinicius-jr-is-damaging-clubs-image-reports-sport/ |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2024-09-16 |title=Vinicius Jr losing support at Real Madrid? Concerns over focus and behaviour {{!}} Sporting News |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/real-madrid/news/vinicius-jr-real-madrid-concerns-over-focus-and-behaviour/ba86b6daed22cd119067660e |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=www.sportingnews.com |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-16 |title=Concerns grow over Vinicius Jr as Real Madrid star 'loses support within the club due to his behaviour' - with Brazilian 'not 100% focused on football' {{!}} Goal.com US |url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/vinicius-jr-concerns-real-madrid-football/blt7a53d5840001cca3 |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=www.goal.com |language=en-US}}</ref> His behavior has resulted in him often receiving bookings for verbal dissent to referees and physical confrontations with opposing players.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-26 |title=Carlo Ancelotti has 'given up hope' on helping Vinicius Junior with behaviour |url=https://www.football-espana.net/2024/09/26/carlo-ancelotti-has-given-up-hope-on-helping-vinicius-junior-with-behaviour |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=Football España |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-01-03 |title=How many times has Vinicius been sent off since he signed for Real Madrid? |url=https://en.as.com/soccer/how-many-times-has-vinicius-been-sent-off-since-he-signed-for-real-madrid-n-2/ |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=AS USA |language=en-us}}</ref> Following an incident in March 2024 in which he pushed RB Leipzig player Willi Orbán in the neck,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-07 |title='Disrespectful' Vinicius Jr blasted after escaping red card for pushing RB Leipzig star in the throat in Real Madrid win {{!}} Goal.com UK |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/disrespectful-vinicius-jr-blasted-escaping-red-card-pusing-rb-leipzig-star-in-the-throat-real-madrid-win/blt1a8a07aed572c9c2#csb7d91313e0281ff0 |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=www.goal.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> Vinícius was criticized by former Real Madrid player Predrag Mijatović, who said that if Vinícius does not "calm down", he "will never become a legendary player, regardless of the good he does in terms of football."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-07 |title='Talking to a child!' - Petulant Vinicius Jr irritating his own team-mates as Brazilian forward sees attitude slammed by Real Madrid legend {{!}} Goal.com US |url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/talking-to-child-petulant-vinicius-jr-irritating-own-team-mates-brazilian-attitude-slammed-real-madrid-legend/blt4d0e3c6150446785 |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=www.goal.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Vinícius has also been criticized for his provocative behavior and celebrations,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-15 |title='Doing himself a lot of harm' – Vinicius Jr goal celebration slammed by Real Madrid legend as Brazilian forward warned his own fans are 'upset with behaviour' {{!}} Goal.com UK |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/vinicius-jr-goal-celebration-slammed-real-madrid-legend/blt6342c54088b11e83#cse81d3a91f0df595e |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=www.goal.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> with former Brazil coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo claiming that Vinícius provokes a lot of the treatment he receives on the field.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Vanderlei Luxemburgo Critiques Vinícius Júnior's Behavior on the Field |url=https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/la-liga/articles-video/luxemburgo-critiques-vin%C3%ADcius-j%C3%BAnior-s-behavior-on-the-field-2024-11-13 |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=beIN SPORTS |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-01 |title=La Liga captain blasts Vinicius Junior - "he will never be a role model" |url=https://www.football-espana.net/2023/02/01/la-liga-captain-blasts-vinicius-junior-he-will-never-be-a-role-model |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=Football España |language=en}}</ref> Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted in March 2024 that Vinícius should "control himself a little better",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanderson |first=Tom |title=Real Madrid Coach Ancelotti Critical Of Vinicius Jr. After Osasuna Win |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2024/03/16/real-madrid-coach-ancelotti-critical-of-vinicius-jr-after-osasuna-win/ |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> with reports from SPORT claiming that Real Madrid believed Vinícius to be hurting the club's image.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanderson |first=Tom |title=Vinicius Jr. Makes Real Madrid 'Very Upset', 'Angry' And Consider Sale, Reports SPORT |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2024/09/11/vinicius-jr-makes-real-madrid-very-upset-angry-and-consider-sale-reports-sport/ |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>
In May 2025, Netflix released a documentary film titled ''Vini Jr'', directed by Emílio Domingos and Andrucha Waddington. The film chronicles his life and career, including his response to racism on and off the pitch.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-19 |title=Netflix Announces Vinicius Junior Documentary Coming in 2025 |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/netflix-announces-vinicius-junior-documentary-coming-in-2025 |access-date=2025-06-19 |website=SI |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Activism== ===Anti-racism activism=== In some incidents in 2023, Vinícius was subjected to racist slurs and chants from football fans in Spain, including an effigy of him being hanged from a bridge in Madrid.<ref name="Vinícius Jr. is being racially abused">{{cite news |last1=Grez |first1=Matias |title=Vinícius Jr. is being racially abused during La Liga matches. Why is nobody being punished? |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/15/football/vinicius-jr-racism-in-spanish-football-spt-intl/index.html |access-date=15 March 2023 |publisher=CNN|date=15 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title='La Liga belongs to racists' – Vinicius Jr |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65666613 |access-date=22 May 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> On 23 May 2023, four men were arrested by the Spanish Police in connection with the effigy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spain arrests four after effigy of Real Madrid's Vinicius hung |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/23/spain-arrests-four-after-effigy-of-real-madrids-vinicius-hung |access-date=23 May 2023 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref> In response, Vinícius condemned La Liga for what he perceived as normalization of racism, and advocated for more stringent measures and penalties to combat racist behaviour.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sung |first=Matt Foster, Patrick |date=22 May 2023 |title=Vinícius Jr.: Real Madrid player persistently racially abused during Spanish La Liga match |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/21/sport/real-madrid-vinicius-laliga-racism-spt-intl/index.html |access-date=22 May 2023 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> On 22 May 2023, Real Madrid released an official statement strongly condemning the racist abuse against Vinícius, viewing it as a direct attack on the democratic coexistence model of Spain; the club reported the incident as a "hate crime" to the Attorney General's Office, reserving its right to act as a private prosecutor in any ensuing proceedings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Official Announcement {{!}} Real Madrid CF |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2023/05/22/official-announcement |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029035245/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2023/05/22/official-announcement |archive-date=29 October 2023 |access-date=22 May 2023 |website=Real Madrid C.F.}}</ref> On 15 June 2023, Vinícius was selected by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to lead a special FIFA anti-racism committee composed of players.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Football must stop when there is racism |url=https://inside.fifa.com/about-fifa/president/news/football-must-stop-when-there-is-racism |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327184045/https://inside.fifa.com/about-fifa/president/news/football-must-stop-when-there-is-racism |archive-date=27 March 2024 |access-date=15 June 2023 |publisher=FIFA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 June 2023 |title=Vinicius to lead new anti-racism committee – FIFA |url=https://www.espn.in/football/story/_/id/37856411/real-madrids-vinicius-lead-fifa-antiracism-committee |access-date=15 June 2023 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref>
====Public response==== Some commentators believe the global outrage and outpouring of support for Vinícius following his stand against racism could mark a turning point in the fight against racism in football and Spain in general.<ref>{{cite web |date= 5 June 2023 |title=Racist abuse of Vinicius Jr highlights entrenched problem in soccer |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2023/06/05/racist-abuse-of-vin-cius-j-nior-highlights-entrenched-problem-in-soccer/70287625007// |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=USA Today}}</ref> Guy Hedgecoe of BBC News said the issue has transcended the borders of Spain and of sport, as public figures from around the world are acknowledging that for which he stands.<ref>{{cite news |date= 23 May 2023 |title=Vinicius jr case opens wilder racism debate in spain |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65685661/ |access-date=1 December 2023 |work=BBC News}}</ref> Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned racism and expressed his solidarity towards Vinícius while urging FIFA and other responsible football bodies to take the strongest actions possible.<ref>{{cite news |date= 22 May 2023 |title=Brazilian president expresses his solidarity towards Vinicius jr |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2023/05/22/646b9c7c22601d0c138b4623.html/ |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=MARCA}}</ref> Brazil's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue switched off its lights in a show of support for Vinícius following racial slurs from Valencia fans at the Mestalla Stadium in Spain.<ref>{{cite news |date= 23 May 2023 |title=Brazil statue lights out to support Vinicius Jr racism claim |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/23/brazil-statue-lights-out-supports-vinicius-jr-antiracism-stance/ |access-date=1 December 2023 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref> Sean Gregory, writing for ''Time'' said: "The effects of racist abuse in the world’s most popular game are felt far beyond the stadium walls, that the ugliness persists in 2023 also on full, terrible display, at stadiums around the world is a forever stain on the so-called beautiful game."<ref>{{cite magazine |date= 22 May 2023 |title= A Country of Racists, Spanish Soccer Is Embroiled in Yet Another Racism Controversy |url=https://time.com/6281683/vinicius-junior-racism-real-madrid-soccer-valencia/ |access-date=1 December 2023 |magazine=Time}}</ref> In Rio de Janeiro, representatives of more than 150 activist groups and non-profits delivered a letter to Spain's consulate, demanding an investigation into the league and its president.<ref>{{cite news |date= 27 May 2023 |title= Disgusted by racism targeting Vinicius Jr, his Brazilian hometown rallies to defend him |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/racism-vinicius-jr-hometown-1.6856980/ |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=CBC Sport}}</ref> Flávio Dino, Brazil's minister of justice threatened Spain with applying the principle of extraterritoriality over Vinícius' case.<ref>{{cite web |date= 23 May 2023 |title= Brazil threatens Spain over applying principle of extraterritoriality |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2023/05/23/646c874b268e3e5f558b45a3.html/ |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=MARCA}}</ref>
Various sporting figures from around the world, including seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, coaches Xavi and Carlo Ancelotti, pundit Rio Ferdinand, the Real Madrid Femenino and Real Madrid Baloncesto teams, as well as footballers Didier Drogba, Kylian Mbappé, Iñaki Williams, Raphinha, Ronaldo, Neymar, and Rafael Leão, offered him praise and support.<ref>{{cite web |date=26 May 2023 |title=Lewis Hamilton says racist abuse suffered by Vinicius jr evokes painful memories |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/26/motorsport/lewis-hamilton-vinicius-jr-racist-abuse-spt-intl/index.html/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526095128/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/26/motorsport/lewis-hamilton-vinicius-jr-racist-abuse-spt-intl/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 May 2023 |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=MARCA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date= 22 May 2023 |title= Kylian Mbappe, Neymar among others praises Vinicius jr |url=https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/not-alone-kylian-mbappe-support-vinicius-junior-racism-brazil-neymar-ronaldo-real-madrid/blt75d789784566741a/ |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=Goal}}</ref> Anti-racism legislation called "Vini Jr. laws" were approved in the Brazilian states Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Sul, which will see sporting events stopped or suspended in the event of racist conduct.<ref>{{cite web |date=7 June 2023 |title=Brazil state approves new 'Vinicius Junior law' to combat racism at sporting events |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37810478/new-vinicius-jr-law-approved-rio-combat-racism/ |access-date=1 December 2023 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date= 6 July 2023 |title= Rio government names anti-racism law after Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Jr |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/rio-government-names-anti-racism-law-after-real-madrid-and-brazil-star-vinicius-jr/ |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=The Straits Times}}</ref> He also received awards from Rio's legislative assembly and city council and his footprints were added to the stadium's walk of fame, beside those of Brazilian greats such as Pelé, Garrincha and Ronaldo.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 July 2023 |title=Vinicius Jr: Rio de Janeiro government names anti-racism law after Real Madrid forward |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66118476/ |access-date=1 December 2023 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> Vinícius received the Sócrates Award at the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony for his humanitarian projects and fight against racism.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite web |date=31 October 2023 |title=Vinicius Jr vows to continue fight against racism as he wins Socrates Award|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/vinicius-vows-to-continue-fight-against-racism-as-he-wins-socrates-award/ |access-date=3 December 2023 |website=The Straits Times}}</ref>
===Education for All=== In 2021, he founded the Instituto Vini Jr., an organisation to facilitate access to school for Brazilian children and teenagers from disadvantaged neighborhoods.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 February 2024 |title=UNESCO: Vinicius Junior nommé ambassadeur de bonne volonté |url=https://www.lapresse.ca/sports/soccer/2024-02-02/unesco/vinicius-junior-nomme-ambassadeur-de-bonne-volonte.php |access-date=6 February 2024 |work=La Presse |language=fr-CA}}</ref> In 2023, he was awarded the Sócrates Award.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vinicius Jr., de son action en faveur des enfants au Prix Socrates |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/France-Football/Article/Vinicius-jr-de-son-action-en-faveur-des-enfants-au-prix-socrates/1429141 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105144527/https://www.lequipe.fr/France-Football/Article/Vinicius-jr-de-son-action-en-faveur-des-enfants-au-prix-socrates/1429141 |archive-date=5 November 2023 |access-date=6 February 2024 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}}</ref> In 2024, UNESCO appointed Vinícius Goodwill Ambassador for Education for All. He is the second footballer after Pelé to become a UNESCO ambassador.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 February 2024 |title=Vinícius Junior named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador |url=https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/vinicius-junior-named-unesco-goodwill-ambassador |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206115634/https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/vinicius-junior-named-unesco-goodwill-ambassador |archive-date=6 February 2024 |access-date=6 February 2024 |publisher=UNESCO}}</ref>
==On-field racism incidents and reactions== La Liga has reported 26 incidents of racist abuse directed at Vinícius since October 2021. These have included racist chants by fans and the hanging of a mannequin made to look like Vinícius from a bridge near his team's training grounds.<ref name="Racism1">Corrigan, Dermot and Mario Cortegana (February 18, 2026). [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7055797/2026/02/19/vinicius-jr-real-madrid-racism-benfica-champions-league/ "The Shocking Scale of the Racist Abuse Suffered by Vinicius Jr"]. ''The Athletic''.</ref>
On 17 February 2026, during a Champions League match against Benfica, Vinícius scored the winning goal but was booked for excessive celebration toward the home crowd, before becoming involved in a heated confrontation that led to play being halted for around 10 minutes after he reported an alleged racist remark from Gianluca Prestianni, prompting UEFA's anti-racism protocol to be activated.<ref>{{cite web |last=Poole |first=Harry |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cpv843x1zgzo |title=Real Madrid tie halted over Vinicius racism allegation |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 February 2026 }}</ref> Several Real Madrid teammates publicly supported him after the match, while Vinícius later reiterated his stance against racism and thanked supporters for their backing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11945/13508766/benfica-vs-real-madrid-delayed-for-10-minutes-after-vinicius-jr-incident-with-gianluca-prestianni |title=Benfica vs Real Madrid halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Jr racism allegation following incident with Gianluca Prestianni |publisher=Sky Sports |date=17 February 2026 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://onefootball.com/de/news/breaking-vini-jr-issues-statement-in-wake-of-tensions-vs-benfica-42426707 |title=BREAKING: Vini Jr issues statement in wake of tensions vs Benfica |publisher=OneFootball |date=17 February 2026 }}</ref>
UEFA announced the following day that it had opened an investigation to examine allegations of discriminatory behaviour.<ref>{{cite web |last=Buckingham |first=Philip |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7054550/2026/02/18/vinicius-junior-racism-benfica-real-madrid-uefa-investigation/ |title=UEFA opens investigation into Vinicius Jr racism allegations, Gianluca Prestianni likely available for second leg |publisher=The New York Times |date=18 February 2026 }}</ref> A racist remark carries a mandatory 10-game ban. Prestianni claimed he used a homophobic slur, rather than a racist one, toward Vinícius. In April 2026, UEFA banned Prestianni for six matches, with Prestianni to serve three. Prestianni covered his mouth with his shirt during the incident. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said players who do so should be sent off.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Dale |date=2026-04-24 |title=Gianluca Prestianni ban: Benfica winger given six-game ban for homophobic conduct |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c239jkx0g02o |access-date=2026-05-23 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>
==Personal life== Vinícius is a Roman Catholic.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 June 2018 |title=Real Madrid: Meet Vinicius in 44 responses: The 'dancinhas,' his idol Asensio, his desire... |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2018/06/20/5b2a19c646163fd8488b4571.html |access-date=4 October 2023 |website=MARCA in English}}</ref> He runs a charitable institute in Rio – Instituto Vini Jr – which aims to use technology and sport to educate young Brazilians and, ultimately, alleviate some of the education related inequality in the country.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lang |first=Jack |title=In search of Vinicius Junior – the 22-year-old 'raising a flag for everyone' |work=The New York Times |date=20 June 2023 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4553646/2023/05/27/vinicius-junior-home-town-sao-goncalo/ |access-date=1 July 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Seixas |first=Josué |date=11 October 2021 |title=Vinicius Junior launches education app to help poor students in Brazil|work=The Guardian|location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/oct/11/vinicius-junior-launches-education-app-help-students-brazil-rio |access-date=1 July 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2023 |title=Home – Instituto Vini Jr |url=https://institutovinijr.org.br/home-en/ |access-date=1 July 2023 |language=pt-BR |archive-date=24 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924173806/https://institutovinijr.org.br/home-en/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In November 2024, he received his genetic results from African Ancestry, Inc. and learned that his maternal lineage was traced to Tikar people of Cameroon. The Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) presented him with the certificate in front of a stadium full of supporters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.footboom1.com/en/news/football/2081531-in-honor-of-black-consciousness-day-cbf-reveals-vini-jr-s-ancestry|title=In Honor of Black Consciousness Day, CBF Reveals Vini Jr.'s Ancestry - footboom1.com}}</ref> He is also an owner of F.C. Alverca, who play in Primeira Liga in Portugal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://onefootball.com/de/news/vinicius-jr-buys-his-first-soccer-club-surprise-move-in-portugals-second-division-40720304 |title=Vinicius Jr Buys His First Soccer Club – Surprise Move in Portugal's Second Division |publisher=OneFootball |date=17 February 2025 }}</ref>
==Career statistics== ===Club=== {{updated|match played 17 May 2026}}<ref>{{Soccerway|access-date=21 April 2026}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes Copa do Brasil, Copa del Rey}} !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="3"|Flamengo |2017 |Série A |25||3||4||0||7{{efn|name=COS|Appearances in Copa Sudamericana}}||1||1{{efn|Appearance in Primeira Liga}}||0||37||4 |- |2018 |Série A |12||4||2||0||5{{efn|name=COL|Appearances in Copa Libertadores}}||2||13{{efn|Appearances in Campeonato Carioca}}||4||32||10 |- !colspan="2"|Total !37!!7!!6!!0!!12!!3!!14!!4!!69!!14 |- |Real Madrid Castilla |{{nowrap|2018–19}} |Segunda División B |5||4||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||5||4 |- |rowspan=9|Real Madrid |2018–19 |La Liga |18||2||8||2||4{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in UEFA Champions League}}||0||1{{efn|Appearance in FIFA Club World Cup}}||0||31||4 |- |2019–20 |La Liga |29||3||3||1||5{{efn|name=UCL}}||1||1{{efn|name=SUC|Appearance(s) in Supercopa de España}}||0||38||5 |- |2020–21 |La Liga |35||3||1||0||12{{efn|name=UCL}}||3||1{{efn|name=SUC}}||0||49||6 |- |2021–22 |La Liga |35||17||2||0||13{{efn|name=UCL}}||4||2{{efn|name=SUC}}||1||52||22 |- |2022–23 |La Liga |33||10||5||3||12{{efn|name=UCL}}||7||5{{efn|Two appearances in Supercopa de España, one appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances and three goals in FIFA Club World Cup}}||3||55||23 |- |2023–24 |La Liga |26||15||1||0||10{{efn|name=UCL}}||6||2{{efn|name=SUC}}||3||39||24 |- |2024–25 |La Liga |30||11||6||1||12{{efn|name=UCL}}||8||10{{efn|Two appearances in Supercopa de España, one appearance in UEFA Super Cup, one appearance and one goal in FIFA Intercontinental Cup, six appearances and one goal in FIFA Club World Cup}}||2||58||22 |- |2025–26 |La Liga |36||16||1||0||14{{efn|name=UCL}}||5||2{{efn|name=SUC}}||1||53||22 |- !colspan="2"|Total !242||77||27||7||82||34||24||10||376||128 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !284!!88!!33!!7!!94!!37!!38!!14!!450!!146 |} {{notelist}}
===International=== {{updated|match played 31 May 2026}}<ref>{{NFT player |id=75555|name=Júnior, Vinícius |access-date=13 June 2021}}</ref>
{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center |+ Appearances and goals by national team and year !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="7"|Brazil |2019||1||0 |- |2021||8||0 |- |2022||11||2 |- |2023||6||1 |- |2024||11||2 |- |2025||8||3 |- |2026||3||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total||48||9 |}
{{updated|match played 31 March 2026}} :''Scores and results list Brazil's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Vinícius goal.''
{| class=wikitable style="text-align: left;" align=center |+ List of international goals scored by Vinícius Júnior ! No. !! Date !! Venue !! Cap !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition |- | align="center" | 1 || 24 March 2022 || Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil || align="center" | 12 || {{fb|CHI}} || align="center" | 2–0 || align="center" | 4–0 || 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |- | align="center" | 2 || 5 December 2022 || Stadium 974, Doha, Qatar || align="center" | 19 || {{fb|KOR}} || align="center" | 1–0 || align="center" | 4–1 || 2022 FIFA World Cup |- | align="center" | 3 || 17 June 2023 || RCDE Stadium, Barcelona, Spain || align="center" | 22 || {{fb|GUI}} || align="center" | 4–1 || align="center" | 4–1 || Friendly |- | align="center" | 4 || rowspan="2" | 28 June 2024 || rowspan="2" | Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, United States || align="center" rowspan="2" | 32 || rowspan="2" | {{fb|PAR}} || align="center" | 1–0 || align="center" rowspan="2" | 4–1 || rowspan="2" | 2024 Copa América |- | align="center" | 5 || align="center" | 3–0 |- | align="center" | 6 || 20 March 2025 || Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasília, Brazil || align="center" | 38 || {{fb|COL}} || align="center" | 2–1 || align="center" | 2–1 || 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification |- | align="center" | 7 || 10 June 2025 || Neo Química Arena, São Paulo, Brazil || align="center" | 41 || {{fb|PAR}} || align="center" | 1–0 || align="center" |1–0 || 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification |- | align="center" | 8 || 10 October 2025 || Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea || align="center" | 42 || {{fb|KOR}} || align="center" | 5–0 || align="center" |5–0 || Friendly |- | align="center" | 9 || 31 May 2026 || Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil || align="center" | 48 || {{fb|PAN}} || align="center" | 1–0 || align="center" |3–1 || Friendly |}
==Honours== '''Real Madrid''' *La Liga: 2019–20,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/real-madrid-win-2019-20-laliga-santander|title=Real Madrid win 2019/20 LaLiga Santander|date=16 July 2020|publisher=La Liga|access-date=17 July 2020}}</ref> 2021–22,<ref>{{cite news |last=Westwood |first=James |date=30 April 2022 |title=Real Madrid clinch 35th La Liga title with four games to spare after victory over Espanyol |url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/real-madrid-35th-la-liga-title/bltb8dfbd27f32f5feb |access-date=30 April 2022 |website=Goal}}</ref> 2023–24<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c0x05j54l8wo|title=Real Madrid crowned champions after Barca's defeat at Girona|work=BBC Sport|date=4 May 2024|access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref> *Copa del Rey: 2022–23;<ref>{{cite web|title=Real Madrid 2–1 Osasuna: Rodrygo scores twice as Madrid win Copa del Rey |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65500297|work=BBC Sport|date=6 May 2023|access-date=6 May 2023}}</ref> runner-up: 2024–25<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.laliga.com/partido/temporada-2024-2025-copa-del-rey-por-determinar-por-determinar-9|title=FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid - Copa del Rey|publisher=La Liga|date=26 April 2025}}</ref> *Supercopa de España: 2020,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/cronica/2020/01/12/5e1b882ce2704e6d7a8b4598.html|title=Real Madrid win the Supercopa from the spot|date=12 January 2020|access-date=12 January 2020|website=Marca|location=Spain}}</ref> 2022,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2022/01/16/61e481b0ca4741226d8b458c.html|title=Modric and Benzema fire Real Madrid to the Supercopa title |newspaper=Marca |first=Euan |last=Mctear |date=16 January 2022|access-date=16 January 2022}}</ref> 2024<ref>{{cite web |date=14 January 2024 |title=El Real Madrid recupera su corona en la Supercopa (4–1) |url=https://rfef.es/es/noticias/cronica-el-real-madrid-recupera-su-corona-en-la-supercopa-4-1 |access-date=15 January 2024 |publisher=Real Federación Española de Fútbol |language=es}}</ref> *UEFA Champions League: 2021–22,<ref>{{cite news |date=28 May 2022 |title=Champions League final: Vinícius Júnior scores only goal as Real Madrid deny Liverpool again |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0275-15415a62aaf0-36d3e17d7404-1000/ |access-date=28 May 2022 |work=UEFA |publisher=Union of European Football Associations}}</ref> 2023–24<ref>{{cite news |date=1 June 2024 |title=Real Madrid win Champions League: Carvajal and Vinícius Júnior see off Dortmund |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/028e-1b07e18d875a-ba78e4b9d9fc-1000--real-madrid-win-champions-league-carvajal-and-vinicius-jun/ |access-date=1 June 2024 |website=UEFA |publisher=Union of European Football Associations}}</ref> *UEFA Super Cup: 2022,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/0278-15d6268709ab-38bef8ec34df-1000--report-real-madrid-win-the-super-cup/ |title=Real Madrid 2–0 Eintracht Frankfurt: Five-star Madrid triumph in Helsinki |publisher=UEFA|first=Sam|last=Honeyman|date=10 August 2022 |access-date=11 August 2022}}</ref> 2024<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c77ljv4e5z5t|title=Real Madrid 2–0 Atalanta|work=BBC Sport|first=Steven|last=Sutcliffe|date=14 August 2024|access-date=15 August 2024}}</ref> *FIFA Club World Cup: 2018,<ref>{{cite news |last=Rodríguez |first=José María |url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/mundial-de-clubes/cronica/2018/12/22/5c1e81a2e5fdea02688b4580.html |title=El Madrid agranda su leyenda|trans-title=Madrid enlargen their legend |newspaper=Marca |location=Spain |language=es|date=22 December 2018|access-date=22 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008171528/https://www.marca.com/futbol/mundial-de-clubes/cronica/2018/12/22/5c1e81a2e5fdea02688b4580.html|archive-date=8 October 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> 2022<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/real-madrid-al-hilal-final-report-review-vinicius-junior-federico-valverde-club-world-cup-morocco-2022 |title=Vinicius and Valverde dazzle as five-star Madrid conquer |publisher=FIFA |date=11 February 2023 |access-date=11 February 2023}}</ref> *FIFA Intercontinental Cup: 2024<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c205nv1yr6pt|title=Real Madrid 3–0 Pachuca: Kylian Mbappé scores in intercontinentalscores in Intercontinental Cup final|date=18 December 2024|work=BBC Sport|access-date=19 December 2024}}</ref>
'''Brazil U15''' *South American U-15 Championship: 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/sa-u15-2015.html|title=2015 South American U-15 Championship|date=15 June 2019|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation}}</ref>
'''Brazil U17''' *South American U-17 Championship: 2017<ref>{{cite web|title=Brasil golea 5–0 a Chile y es campeón del Sudamericano Sub-17 |url=http://www.conmebol.com/es/brasil-golea-5-0-chile-y-es-campeon-del-sudamericano-sub-17 |publisher=CONMEBOL |language=es |date=20 March 2017}}</ref> *BRICS U-17 Football Cup: 2016
'''Brazil''' *Copa América runner-up: 2021<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2021/jul/10/argentina-v-brazil-copa-america-final-live |title=Argentina 1-0 Brazil: Copa América final – live! |work=The Guardian |last1=Graham |first1=Bryan Armen |date=11 July 2021 |access-date=11 July 2021 }}</ref>
'''Individual''' *Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior Best Left Winger: 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/blogs/especial-blog/na-base-da-bola/post/selecao-da-copinha-tem-vinicius-junior-e-4-do-timao-pedrinho-e-o-melhor-jogador.html|title=Seleção da Copinha tem Vinícius Júnior e 4 do Timão; Pedrinho é o melhor jogador|publisher=Globoesporte.com|date=26 January 2017}}</ref> *South American U-17 Championship Best Player: 2017<ref name=SA17>{{cite web|title=Vinicius y un protagonismo estratégico|url=http://www.conmebol.com/es/vinicius-y-un-protagonismo-estrategico|publisher=CONMEBOL.com|date=20 March 2017|access-date=14 May 2017}}</ref> *La Liga Player of the Month: November 2021,<ref>{{cite web |date=10 December 2021 |title=Vini Jr. named LaLiga Santander Player of the Month for November |url=https://www.laliga.com/en-ES/news/vini-jr-named-laliga-santander-player-of-the-month-for-november |publisher=La Liga}}</ref> March 2024,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.laliga.com/en-ES/news/vini-jr-named-laliga-ea-sports-player-of-the-month-for-march|title=Vini Jr named LALIGA EA SPORTS Player of the Month for March|publisher=La Liga|date=29 March 2024|access-date=29 March 2024}}</ref> November 2024<ref>{{cite news|title=Vini Jr is LALIGA EA SPORTS Player of the Month for November|url=https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/vini-jr-is-laliga-ea-sports-player-of-the-month-for-november|publisher=La Liga|date=30 November 2024|access-date=1 December 2024}}</ref> *La Liga Team of the Season: 2021–22,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ea.com/games/fifa/fifa-22/ultimate-team/tots/laliga-santander|title=LaLiga Santader Team of the Season|website=EA|date=19 May 2022|access-date=21 August 2022}}</ref> 2022–23,<ref>{{cite news|title=Los Premios 'Team of the Season' de EA SPORTSTM y LaLiga revelan a los mejores 15 jugadores de la temporada |trans-title=The EA SPORTSTM and LaLiga 'Team of the Season' Awards reveal the best 15 players of the season|url=https://www.laliga.com/noticias/los-premios-team-of-the-season-de-ea-sportstm-y-laliga-revelan-a-los-mejores-15-jugadores-de-la-temporada|date=19 May 2023|access-date=21 May 2023|publisher=La Liga}}</ref> 2023–24,<ref>{{cite news|title=Los Premios 'Team Of The Season' de LALIGA y EA SPORTS desvelan los 15 mejores jugadores de la temporada|url=https://www.laliga.com/noticias/los-premios-team-of-the-season-de-laliga-y-ea-sports-desvelan-los-15-mejores-jugadores-de-la-temporada|language=es|date=17 May 2024|access-date=17 May 2024|publisher=La Liga}}</ref> 2024–25<ref>{{cite news|title=EA Sports FC 25 La Liga Team of the season 2024-25|url=https://www.ea.com/games/ea-sports-fc/fc-25/tots/laliga |date=24 May 2025|access-date=24 May 2025|publisher=La Liga}}</ref> *UEFA Champions League Team of the Season: 2021–22,<ref>{{cite news |title=2021/22 UEFA Champions League Team of the Season |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0275-154650014aef-02a394f30379-1000--official-team-of-the-season/ |publisher=UEFA |date=31 May 2022 |access-date=31 May 2022}}</ref> 2022–23,<ref name=":2" /> 2023–24<ref>{{cite news|date=3 June 2024 |title=2023/24 UEFA Champions League Team of the Season |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/028e-1b0b073031ef-cb7193efc2dc-1000--2023-24-uefa-champions-league-team-of-the-season/ |access-date=3 June 2024 |website=UEFA |publisher=Union of European Football Associations}}</ref> *UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season: 2021–22<ref>{{cite news |title=2021/22 UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0275-1546501dd977-8e9d95ac3c37-1000--young-player-of-the-season-vinicius-jr/|publisher=UEFA |date=31 May 2022 |access-date=31 May 2022}}</ref> *UEFA Champions League Player of the Season: 2023–24<ref name="auto"/> *ESM Team of the Year: 2023–24<ref>{{cite web |last=Evans |first=Jamie |title=ESM Team of the Season: 2023-24 |work=World Soccer |date=10 June 2024 |url=https://www.worldsoccer.com/european-sports-media/esm11/esm-team-of-the-season-2023-24-415102 |access-date=10 June 2024 }}</ref> *FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2022<ref>{{cite web |date=11 February 2023 |title=The adidas awards ceremony {{!}} FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2022™ |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/watch/NnhEBCJKFEWYqDQn2YlgPQ |publisher=FIFA}}</ref> *FIFA Intercontinental Cup Golden Ball: 2024<ref name="2024 FIC">{{cite news |url=https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/fifa-club-world-cup/articles/real-madrid-pachuca-report-final |title=Real Madrid beat Pachuca to win Intercontinental Cup |publisher=FIFA |date=18 December 2024 |access-date=18 December 2024}}</ref> *FIFPRO Men's World 11: 2023,<ref>{{cite web |date=15 January 2024 |title=Messi extends record as City stars dominate Men's World 11 |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/the-best-fifa-football-awards/articles/fifpro-mens-world-11-lionel-messi-manchester-city |access-date=16 January 2024 |publisher=FIFA}}</ref> 2024<ref>{{cite web |title=Who is in the 2024 FIFPRO Men's World 11? |url=https://www.fifpro.org/en/supporting-players/player-influence/world11/who-is-in-the-2024-fifpro-men-s-world-11 |publisher=FIFPRO |date=9 December 2024|access-date=9 December 2024}}</ref> *Sócrates Award: 2023<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=30 October 2023 |title=Bellingham wins Kopa Trophy and Vini Jr. scoops Socrates Award |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2023/10/30/bellingham-wins-kopa-trophy-and-vini-jr-scoops-socrates-award |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126015440/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2023/10/30/bellingham-wins-kopa-trophy-and-vini-jr-scoops-socrates-award |archive-date=26 November 2023 |access-date=31 October 2023 |publisher=Real Madrid CF}}</ref> *Samba Gold: 2023<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sambafoot.com/news/vinicius-junior-is-the-winner-of-the-2023-samba-gold-award|title=Vinicius Junior is the winner of the 2023 Samba Gold Award|last=Efe-Khaese|first=Desmond|date=24 November 2023|website=Sambafoot|access-date=24 November 2023}}</ref> *Ballon d'Or runner-up: 2024<ref name="bbc.com"/> *The Best FIFA Men's Player: 2024<ref>{{cite web |date=17 December 2024 |title=Fifa The Best 2024: Vini Jr. é eleito o melhor jogador do mundo |url=https://ge.globo.com/futebol/futebol-internacional/noticia/2024/12/17/fifa-the-best-2024-vini-jr-e-eleito-o-melhor-jogador-do-mundo.ghtml |access-date=17 December 2024 |publisher=Globo|language=pt}}</ref> *FIFA Men's World 11: 2024<ref>{{cite web |title=Five Real Madrid stars named in The Best FIFA Men's 11|url=https://www.fifa.com/en/the-best-fifa-football-awards/2024/articles/mens-11-vote|publisher=FIFA|date=17 December 2024|access-date=17 December 2024}}</ref> *IFFHS Men's World Team: 2024<ref>{{cite web|date=26 December 2024|title=IFFHS WORLD TEAMS 2024|url=https://iffhs.com/posts/4086|access-date=26 December 2024|publisher=IFFHS}}</ref> *Globe Soccer Best Player of the Year: 2024<ref>{{cite web |date=27 December 2024 |title=Vinicius Jr. é eleito melhor jogador do mundo no Globe Soccer Awards |url=https://www.espn.com.br/futebol/artigo/_/id/14608332/vinicius-jr-eleito-melhor-jogador-mundo-no-globe-soccer-awards-neymar-e-jorge-jesus-sao-premiados |access-date=29 December 2024 |website=Globe Soccer Awards |language=pt}}</ref> *Globe Soccer Best Forward: 2024<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 December 2024 |title=Vinicius Jr. é eleito melhor jogador do mundo no Globe Soccer Awards |url=https://ge.globo.com/futebol/futebol-internacional/noticia/2024/12/27/vini-jr-e-eleito-o-melhor-jogador-do-mundo-no-global-soccer-awards.ghtml |access-date=29 December 2024 |website=Globe Soccer Awards |language=pt}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} * [https://www.realmadrid.com/en/football/squad/vinicius-paixao-de-oliveira-junior- Profile] at the Real Madrid CF website * {{UEFA player}}
{{Real Madrid CF squad}} {{Navboxes | title = Brazil squads | bg = #FEDF00 | fg = #009B3A | bordercolor = #002776 | list1 = {{Brazil squad 2021 Copa América}} {{Brazil squad 2022 FIFA World Cup}} {{Brazil squad 2024 Copa América}} {{Brazil squad 2026 FIFA World Cup}} }} {{Navboxes | title = Awards | bg = gold | fg = navy | list1 = {{South American U-17 Championship topscorer}} {{Onze Mondial European Footballer of the Year}} {{FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball}} {{UEFA Champions League Player of the Season}} {{UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season}} {{FIFA Player of the Year}} {{2023 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}} {{2024 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}} {{Trofeo EFE}} {{Samba Gold}} {{Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano}} {{Globe Soccer Awards best Player}} {{Sócrates Award}} }} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vinicius Junior}} Category:2000 births Category:Living people Category:Footballers from São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro Category:Brazilian men's footballers Category:Brazil men's international footballers Category:Brazil men's youth international footballers Category:Brazil men's under-20 international footballers Category:Brazilian people of Cameroonian descent Category:Afro-Brazilian sportspeople Category:Men's association football wingers Category:Men's association football forwards Category:CR Flamengo footballers Category:Real Madrid CF players Category:Real Madrid Castilla footballers Category:Campeonato Brasileiro Série A players Category:La Liga players Category:Segunda División B players Category:2021 Copa América players Category:2022 FIFA World Cup players Category:2024 Copa América players Category:2026 FIFA World Cup players Category:UEFA Champions League–winning players Category:The Best FIFA Men's Player winners Category:Brazilian expatriate men's footballers Category:Brazilian expatriate sportspeople in Spain Category:Brazilian philanthropists Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain Category:Brazilian Roman Catholics Category:Brazilian anti-racism activists Category:21st-century Brazilian sportsmen Category:Brazilian football chairmen and investors