VinÃÂcius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior (; born 12 July 2000), commonly known as VinÃÂcius Júnior or Vini Jr., is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for 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.
Born in São Gonçalo, VinÃÂcius began his professional career at Flamengo, where he made his senior debut in 2017, at age 16. A few weeks later, VinÃÂcius was the subject of a transfer to La Liga club Real Madrid, for whom he signed in a ã38 million deal, which was a national record for a player under 18. The transfer was made effective after his 18th birthday, with VinÃÂcius debuting for the club in 2018âÂÂ19. Over the following seasons, VinÃÂcius established himself as a prominent member in Real Madrid's squad, helping the club win two La LigaâÂÂChampions 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. VinÃÂcius was included in the FIFPRO World XI in 2023 and 2024, and was named The Best FIFA Men's Player in 2024. He also finished runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d'Or voting.
At his youth stage for Brazil, VinÃÂcius 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.
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, VinÃÂcius 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.
Between 2007 and 2010, VinÃÂcius 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, VinÃÂcius had a trial to play for the Flamengo youth team, and he accepted an invitation to play for their football team. Before, in 2009, when VinÃÂcius was nine, he took a futsal trial for Flamengo, he was asked to come back the following year.
VinÃÂcius debuted for Flamengo on 13 May 2017 as an 82nd-minute substitute in a Brazilian Série A 1âÂÂ1 draw against Atlético Mineiro. 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 â¬30 million to â¬45 million. This contract renewal was reported as being part of the transfer process of VinÃÂcius 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.
On 10 August 2017, VinÃÂcius scored the first professional goal of his career in a Copa Sudamericana second round leg 2 match against Palestino in a 5âÂÂ0 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 2âÂÂ0 win against Atlético Goianiense.
On 23 May 2017, La Liga club Real Madrid signed a contract to acquire VinÃÂcius, effective after his 18th birthday on 12 July 2018 (as age 18 is the minimum age for international transfer). He transferred for a reported fee of â¬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. He was originally scheduled to return to Brazil on loan in July 2018.
On 20 July 2018, he was officially presented as a Real Madrid player. He was issued squad number 28. He made his debut on 29 September, coming in as an 87th-minute substitute in a goalless draw against Atlético Madrid. VinÃÂcius made his first start on 31 October in a 4âÂÂ0 Copa del Rey away victory against Melilla, contributing with assists for both Marco Asensio and ÃÂlvaro Odriozola in what Marca recognised as a Man of the Match performance. He scored his first goal on 3 November 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute in a 2âÂÂ0 victory against Real Valladolid. He scored four goals between his debut on 29 September and 7 February 2019. On 6 March, he tore a ligament during a loss to Ajax, which ended his season.
On 11 December 2019, he scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in a 3âÂÂ1 away win over Club Brugge in the 2019âÂÂ20 season. On 1 March 2020, he scored the first goal in a 2âÂÂ0 win for Real in El Clásico against Barcelona. He made 29 appearances during the league season, while scoring three goals, as Real Madrid won the 2019âÂÂ20 La Liga.
On 6 April 2021, VinÃÂcius scored two goals in a 3âÂÂ1 win against Liverpool in the first leg of the 2020âÂÂ21 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Real Madrid would advance to the semi-finals where they lost to eventual champions Chelsea.
VinÃÂcius started the 2021âÂÂ22 season by scoring Real Madrid's fourth goal in a 4âÂÂ1 away victory over Alavés on the opening day of the La Liga campaign. On 22 August, he scored a brace in a 3âÂÂ3 draw against Levante coming off the bench, which earned him a first-team place, ahead of Eden Hazard. On 30 October, he scored twice as Real Madrid won 2âÂÂ1 at Elche to go top of the La Liga table. 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 2020âÂÂ21 season in just 14 matches. On 12 May 2022, he scored his first hat-trick for Real Madrid in a 6âÂÂ0 victory over Levante.
On 28 May, he scored the only goal in a 1âÂÂ0 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final to clinch Madrid their record 14th UEFA Champions League title. VinÃÂcius ended the 2021âÂÂ22 season as Real Madrid's second-best goalscorer with 22 goals in all competitions, only behind his attacking partner Karim Benzema. For his performances VinÃÂcius was named the inaugural Champions League young player of the season and included in the 2021âÂÂ22 UEFA Champions League team of the season.
On 11 February, Real Madrid defeated Al-Hilal 5âÂÂ3 in the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup final as VinÃÂcius scored a brace to claim the tournament's best player award and his second Club World Cup title. On 21 February 2023, VinÃÂcius scored two first-half goals to power Real Madrid's 5âÂÂ2 comeback win at Anfield against Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League knockout stage round of 16 tie.
On 9 May 2023, VinÃÂcius 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. Alongside teammates Rodrygo and Karim Benzema, he created numerous opportunities, showcasing Real Madrid's counter-attacking prowess against Manchester City's dominant possession. The match ultimately ended in a 1âÂÂ1 draw. However, in the second leg of the semi-final, Real Madrid suffered a crushing 4âÂÂ0 defeat against City, thereby ending their campaign for the Champions League title. He was selected in the 2022âÂÂ23 UEFA Champions League team of the tournament.
In the aftermath of Hazard's departure, Real Madrid confirmed that VinÃÂcius, 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 2023âÂÂ24 season onwards.
On 19 August 2023, VinÃÂcius scored the decisive goal in a La Liga match against AlmerÃÂa, contributing to Real Madrid's victory alongside teammate Jude Bellingham, who netted the previous two goals. On 25 August 2023, VinÃÂcius sustained an injury to his right biceps femoris muscle during a league match against Celta, a game that Real Madrid ultimately won 1âÂÂ0. On 27 September 2023, VinÃÂcius made his return to play in a league fixture against Las Palmas after recovering from his injury. On 3 October, he got his first Champions League goal of the season, netting the 1âÂÂ1 equaliser in Madrid's away game against Napoli, which eventually ended in a 3âÂÂ2 win.
Real Madrid announced on 31 October 2023 that they had extended VinÃÂcius' contract until 30 June 2027. On 14 January 2024, he scored a hat-trick in a 4âÂÂ1 victory over Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final. Throughout the month of March, VinÃÂcius 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. On 21 April, he scored another goal against Barcelona in Real Madrid's 3âÂÂ2 home win to help Los Blancos virtually seal the league title. On 30 April, he netted a brace in a 2âÂÂ2 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. He then followed up this performance with another man of the match performance against Bayern in the second leg, helping Real Madrid win 2âÂÂ1 and advance to the final.
On 1 June, VinÃÂcius scored in Real Madrid's 2âÂÂ0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 UEFA Champions League Final, winning his second trophy in the competition. 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. Two days later, VinÃÂcius was named the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season, registering six goals and five assists in Madrid's trophy-winning campaign.
On 22 October 2024, VinÃÂcius scored his first continental hat-trick in a 5âÂÂ2 comeback win against Borussia Dortmund. He finished second in the 2024 Ballon d'Or behind Rodri. On 17 December, VinÃÂcius was named The Best FIFA Men's Player for 2024. The following day, he assisted Kylian Mbappé's opener and converted a penalty in a 3âÂÂ0 final win over Pachuca, as Madrid were crowned the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup champions. With this performance, VinÃÂcius received the Player of the Tournament and Golden Ball awards. On 22 January 2025, VinÃÂcius scored his 100th and 101st goals for Real Madrid in a 5âÂÂ1 Champions League win over Red Bull Salzburg, becoming the 23rd player to achieve this feat for the club. 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 1âÂÂ0 in the favor of Los Blancos.
On 17 February 2026, VinÃÂcius scored the only goal in a 1âÂÂ0 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. A month later, on 11 March, he provided an assist in a 3âÂÂ0 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.
On 30 October 2015, VinÃÂcius was called up for Brazil by coach Guilherme Dalla Déa for the South American U-15 Championship. VinÃÂcius 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. On 24 June 2016, VinÃÂcius was called up for a friendly against Chile U-17 and scored two goals and provided two assists in the 4âÂÂ2 victory.
In March 2017, VinÃÂcius debuted in the South American U-17 Championship for Brazil with a goal in a 3âÂÂ0 victory over Peru. In the final stage, he scored two goals in a 3âÂÂ0 win over Ecuador and two goals in a 3âÂÂ0 victory over Colombia, securing Brazil's place in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India, where Brazil (without VinÃÂcius) eventually would finish third. 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.
On 28 February 2019, VinÃÂcius was called up to the Brazil national team for the first time for friendlies against Panama and the Czech Republic. However, he suffered an injury while playing for Real Madrid, and David Neres was called up in his place in March. In May, he was excluded from Brazil's final 23-man squad for the 2019 Copa América by manager Tite. The same year on 10 September, he debuted as a 72nd-minute substitute in Brazil's 1âÂÂ0 defeat against Peru.
VinÃÂcius was named in Brazil's 2021 Copa América squad by Tite on 9 June 2021, which was held on home soil. He made a substitute appearance in his country's 1âÂÂ0 defeat against rivals Argentina in the final on 10 July.
On 24 March 2022, VinÃÂcius scored his debut goal for the national team, in a 4âÂÂ0 home victory against Chile in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match at the Maracanã Stadium. On 7 November 2022, VinÃÂcius was named in the Brazil squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup by Tite. In the opening group match against Serbia on 24 November, he set-up Richarlison's second goal to help Brazil to a 2âÂÂ0 victory. He scored his first FIFA World Cup goal in a 4âÂÂ1 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, where they were eliminated by Croatia four days later following a 4âÂÂ2 penalty shoot-out loss after a 1âÂÂ1 draw.
On 26 March 2024, VinÃÂcius 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. At the 2024 Copa América, VinÃÂcius scored his first two goals in the tournament in Brazil's second group match, a 4âÂÂ1 win against Paraguay, also picking up a yellow card; he picked up another booking in his nation's final group match, a 1âÂÂ1 draw against Colombia, which ruled him out of the quarter-finals. In his absence, Brazil were eliminated following a 4âÂÂ2 penalty shoot-out defeat after a goalless draw against Uruguay.
Shortly after his arrival at Real Madrid in July 2018, ESPN journalist Dermot Corrigan described VinÃÂcius as a "zippy left winger or second striker". 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. 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, 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.
Regarded as a promising young player, 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, his shooting and goalscoring were initially cited by pundits as areas in need of improvement, as his lack of end product was often a source of criticism in the media in his first few seasons at Real Madrid. In June 2017, VinÃÂcius 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. In November 2018, former Argentina international frontman José Luis Calderón credited VinÃÂcius' "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". 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".
During the 2021âÂÂ22 season, VinÃÂcius 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. Regarding his change in form, VinÃÂcus 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." The club's manager Carlo Ancelotti also praised him for his defensive work-rate and positioning, in addition to his creative abilities and talent, noting that he was able to improve upon his tactical knowledge and physical condition throughout the course of the season, as well as his finishing. His performances led the Spanish press to compare him to compatriot Neymar. Following his goal in Real Madrid's victory in the 2022 Champions League final, Neymar himself described VinÃÂcius as "the best player in the world." Later that month, Ed McCambridge of FourFourTwo ranked VinÃÂcius as the secondâÂÂbest left winger in the world. VinÃÂcius was also used in a free role as a left-sided forward or striker in a 4âÂÂ3âÂÂ1âÂÂ2 formation during the 2023âÂÂ24 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.
During his spell at Real Madrid, VinÃÂcius has been criticized for his perceived lack of discipline and sportsmanship on the field. His behavior has resulted in him often receiving bookings for verbal dissent to referees and physical confrontations with opposing players. Following an incident in March 2024 in which he pushed RB Leipzig player Willi Orbán in the neck, VinÃÂcius was criticized by former Real Madrid player Predrag MijatoviÃÂ, who said that if VinÃÂcius does not "calm down", he "will never become a legendary player, regardless of the good he does in terms of football." VinÃÂcius has also been criticized for his provocative behavior and celebrations, with former Brazil coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo claiming that VinÃÂcius provokes a lot of the treatment he receives on the field. Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted in March 2024 that VinÃÂcius should "control himself a little better", with reports from SPORT claiming that Real Madrid believed VinÃÂcius to be hurting the club's image.
In May 2025, Netflix released a documentary film titled Vini Jr, directed by EmÃÂlio Domingos and Andrucha Waddington. The film chronicles his life and career, including his response to racism on and off the pitch.
In some incidents in 2023, VinÃÂcius was subjected to racist slurs and chants from football fans in Spain, including an effigy of him being hanged from a bridge in Madrid. On 23 May 2023, four men were arrested by the Spanish Police in connection with the effigy. In response, VinÃÂcius condemned La Liga for what he perceived as normalization of racism, and advocated for more stringent measures and penalties to combat racist behaviour. On 22 May 2023, Real Madrid released an official statement strongly condemning the racist abuse against VinÃÂcius, 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. On 15 June 2023, VinÃÂcius was selected by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to lead a special FIFA anti-racism committee composed of players.
Some commentators believe the global outrage and outpouring of support for VinÃÂcius following his stand against racism could mark a turning point in the fight against racism in football and Spain in general. 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. Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned racism and expressed his solidarity towards VinÃÂcius while urging FIFA and other responsible football bodies to take the strongest actions possible. Brazil's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue switched off its lights in a show of support for VinÃÂcius following racial slurs from Valencia fans at the Mestalla Stadium in Spain. Sean Gregory, writing for Time said: "The effects of racist abuse in the worldâÂÂs 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." 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. Flávio Dino, Brazil's minister of justice threatened Spain with applying the principle of extraterritoriality over VinÃÂcius' case.
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 praises and support. Anti-racism legislations 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. 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. VinÃÂcius received the Sócrates Award at the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony for his humanitarian projects and fight against racism.
In 2021, he founded the Instituto Vini Jr., an organisation to facilitate access to school for Brazilian children and teenagers from disadvantaged neighborhoods. In 2023, he was awarded the Sócrates Award. In 2024, UNESCO appointed VinÃÂcius Goodwill Ambassador for Education for All. He is the second footballer after Pelé to become a UNESCO ambassador.
La Liga has reported 26 incidents of racist abuse directed at VinÃÂcius since October of 2021. These have included racist chants by fans and the hanging of a mannequin made to look like VinÃÂcius from a bridge near his team's training grounds.
On 17 February 2026, during a Champions League match against Benfica, VinÃÂcius scored the winning goal but was booked for excessive celebration toward the home crowd, before later 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. Several Real Madrid teammates publicly supported him after the match, while VinÃÂcius later reiterated his stance against racism and thanked supporters for their backing. UEFA announced the following day that it had opened an investigation to examine allegations of discriminatory behaviour.
VinÃÂcius is a Roman Catholic. He runs a charitable institute in Rio â Instituto Vini Jr â which aims to use technology and sport to educate young Brazilians and, ultimately, alleviate some of the education related inequality in the country. 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. He is also an owner of F.C. Alverca, who play in Primeira Liga in Portugal.
Real Madrid
Brazil U15
Brazil U17
Brazil
Individual