Brazilian · São Gonçalo, Brazil · Born 12 July 2000Real Madrid's Brazilian winger — Champions League winner, Copa América winner and one of the most electric players of his generation.
Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior was born in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro in 2000 and made his professional debut for Flamengo aged 16. Real Madrid paid €45 million in 2018 when he was 17 — one of the most anticipated signings in the club's history. Early seasons brought development and flashes of brilliance before a 2021–22 season that confirmed elite status: 22 goals in all competitions including the Champions League-winning goal in Paris against Liverpool, and a Ballon d'Or top-five finish. He earned 36 Brazil caps scoring 12 goals — his country's most exciting attacking prospect. His top speed of 36.9 km/h makes him the fastest player currently in La Liga and one of the fastest ever measured in European football. He covers 10.5 km per game. He scored 159 career goals and provided 143 assists in 338 appearances before his 25th birthday. He won 3 Champions Leagues with Real Madrid (2022, 2024 and as part of the squad in earlier seasons). He won the Ballon d'Or in 2024 — the first Brazilian to win the award since Ronaldinho in 2005. He has been a prominent figure in anti-racism campaigns in Spanish football.
Scoring in the 2022 Champions League final to help Real Madrid win their 14th title
How They Played
Explosive pace, direct dribbling, cutting in from the left wing, clinical finishing
Lasting Impact
Vinícius Jr. represents the new generation of Brazilian talent succeeding in European football and has helped restore Real Madrid's dominance in the Champions League. His rise symbolizes the continued excellence of Brazilian football on the world stage.
Career Honours
- Champions League 2022 (scorer in final), 2024
- La Liga 2020, 2022, 2024
- Supercopa de España 3x
- Copa del Rey 2023
- Champions League Top Scorer 2024
- Champions League 2022
- Champions League 2024
- La Liga 2020
- La Liga 2022
- La Liga 2024
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamengo | 2017–2018 | — | 4 | 22 | #22 |
| Real Madrid | 2018–2024 | €45M | 173 | 22 | #22 |
 Brazil | — | — | 36 | 12 | — |
Brazilian Athletes