Vinicius Junior was born on 12 July 2000 in São Gonçalo, in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro. Usually known as Vinícius Júnior or Vini Jr., he entered Flamengo’s academy in 2010 and progressed through the club’s youth system during a period in which he was also emerging as one of Brazil’s leading prospects at international youth level.
His senior career began with Flamengo in 2017. Still only 16 when the season started, Vinicius Junior moved rapidly from youth football into the first team and soon attracted attention from major European clubs. Real Madrid secured an agreement for his future transfer while he was still a teenager, although he remained with Flamengo until 2018. His appearances in Brazil gave him his first experience of senior league and continental football before the move to Spain.
Vinicius Junior joined Real Madrid in July 2018 at the age of 18. His competitive first-team debut followed on 29 September against Atlético de Madrid. His early years in Spain included periods of adjustment as he adapted to European football, but his pace, direct dribbling and willingness to attack defenders made him a regular option on the left side of Madrid’s attack. Over time, improved finishing and combination play brought a substantial increase in his goals and assists.
The 2021/22 season marked an important change in his career. Vinícius developed an effective attacking partnership with Karim Benzema as Real Madrid won both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. His most significant contribution came in the Champions League final against Liverpool in Paris. Federico Valverde drove the ball across goal and Vinícius finished at the far post in the 59th minute, scoring the only goal of a 1–0 victory.
He continued to occupy a central role in Madrid’s attack over the following seasons. The club added the Copa del Rey in 2023 before another major European campaign in 2023/24. Vinicius Junior scored twice in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich and finished the competition with six goals and five assists from ten appearances. In the final at Wembley, he scored Madrid’s second goal in a 2–0 victory over Borussia Dortmund. UEFA subsequently named him the Champions League Player of the Season.
Those victories made Vinícius one of the relatively small group of players to score in two separate Champions League finals. Real Madrid’s success also brought further La Liga, UEFA Super Cup, Spanish Super Cup and international club honours. By July 2026, the club credited him with 375 competitive appearances, 128 goals and 14 team trophies during his first eight seasons in Madrid.
His international career developed alongside his progress in Spain. After representing Brazil at youth level, Vinícius made his senior national-team debut against Peru on 11 September 2019. He later appeared at the 2021 Copa América and became an established member of Brazil’s squad ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In Qatar, he started Brazil’s principal matches and scored against South Korea in the round of 16, as well as contributing two assists during the tournament.
Vinicius Junior entered the 2026 World Cup with a larger attacking responsibility for Brazil. He scored against Morocco in the opening group match and then struck twice in a 3–0 victory over Scotland, taking his total to four goals in Brazil’s first three matches of the tournament as the team finished top of its group. His international development had by then extended from a teenage prospect into a regular senior attacker across two World Cup cycles.
His individual recognition has accompanied his team success. He received The Best FIFA Men’s Player award for 2024 after a year in which he had helped Madrid win the Champions League and scored in the final. Real Madrid also confirmed in August 2026 that Vinícius had signed a new contract running until 30 June 2032. At 26, he entered the 2026/27 season wearing number seven and remaining part of Real Madrid’s first-team attack.
