Vinicius Junior: Rising star leading a new era in Brazilian football

By Emre Asikci and Sumeyye Eryilmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) — Vinicius Jose Paixao de Oliveira Junior, widely known as Vinicius Junior or Vini Jr., has demonstrated exceptional talent from a young age, drawing comparisons to Brazil's greatest football legends.

Renowned for his remarkable skills, flair, and composure in high-pressure moments, Vinicius has solidified his reputation as one of the most promising players of his generation.

At 24, the Real Madrid star became the first Brazilian to win FIFA’s top men’s player award since Kaka received the distinction in 2007 and the first to win in its current iteration, The Best.

He capped an extraordinary 2024 by winning both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League with his club. His decisive performances, including a game-winning goal in the Champions League final, earned him global acclaim.

On June 1, the Brazilian winger scored the opener in a 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund, securing Real Madrid's 15th Champions League title and his second European crown.

With his meteoric rise and consistent performances, Vinicius is poised for a long and successful career at the pinnacle of world football.

- Early life and career beginnings

Born on July 12, 2000, in Sao Goncalo, Brazil, Vinicius displayed a passion for football from an early age.

He made his professional debut at just 16 years old for Flamengo, where his talent quickly caught the eye. His standout performances in Brazil's top division, Serie A, soon attracted interest from Europe's elite clubs.

In 2018, Vinicius made headlines with his high-profile move to Real Madrid, one of the most anticipated transfers of the decade.

Under manager Zinedine Zidane during the 2020–21 season, Vinicius began to establish himself as a regular starter, showcasing his blistering pace, dribbling, and technical brilliance.

However, it was during the 2021–22 season that he truly announced his arrival on the global stage. In the Champions League final against Liverpool, Vinicius scored the match-winning goal, delivering Real Madrid their 14th European title.

- 2024: A pivotal year

The 2024 season marked a turning point in Vinicius' career. He played a crucial role in Real Madrid's triumphs in La Liga and the Champions League.

On Dec. 17, he was named FIFA's Best Men's Player for 2024.

Just a day later, he assisted Kylian Mbappe’s opening goal and scored a penalty in Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Pachuca to claim the first-ever FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

His stellar performances earned him both the Player of the Tournament and the Golden Ball awards.

Reflecting on his journey after winning the award, Vinicius said: "I don't even know where to start. It was so far away that it seemed impossible to get here.

"I was a kid who only played football barefoot on the streets of Sao Goncalo, close to poverty and crime. Getting here is something very important to me."

His 2024 success extended beyond club football. With the Brazilian national team, Vinicius played a pivotal role in their Copa America triumph, further cementing his status as one of the world’s best wingers.

- National team career

Since making his debut for Brazil in 2019, Vinicius has been a key figure for the national team.

Although still young, he has already showcased his talents on the grandest stages, including the FIFA World Cup, where his pace and creativity were on full display.

Vinicius is expected to remain a cornerstone of Brazil’s future, contributing to their pursuit of World Cup and Copa America glory.

- Fight against racism

In 2023, Vinicius became a prominent voice against racism in football after enduring repeated racist abuse during matches in Spain.

He publicly condemned La Liga for its failure to address such incidents and called for stronger policies against racism.

His stance garnered worldwide support and led to his appointment to FIFA’s Anti-Racism Committee.

His advocacy also inspired the enactment of the "Vini Jr. Law" in Brazil, solidifying his legacy not just as a football icon but also as a champion for social justice.

- Legacy and achievements

Vinicius' illustrious career with Real Madrid includes two UEFA Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, two FIFA Club World Cups, three La Liga titles, a Spanish Cup, three Spanish Super Cups, and a FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

With 97 goals and 85 assists in 285 appearances for Real Madrid, he has established himself as one of the club’s most decorated and influential players.

As his career continues to soar, Vinicius Junior remains a symbol of talent, perseverance, and impact—both on and off the pitch.