{"id":264439,"first_name":"Vinícius José","last_name":"Paixão de Oliveira Júnior","short_name":"Vinícius Júnior","common_name":"Vinícius Júnior","place_of_birth":"Rio de Janeiro, RJ","gender":"male","height":176,"weight":62,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-07T08:14:37.906Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-27T10:16:27.848Z","locale":"en","age":24,"stb_id":"vinicius-junior","description":null,"tier":4,"common_name_en":"Vinícius Júnior","top_position":2,"introduction":"Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior, known as Vinícius Júnior or Vini Jr., is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for La Liga club Real Madrid and the Brazil national team. Born on July 12, 2000, in São Gonçalo, Brazil, he is widely considered one of the best football players in the world, known for his speed, technique, and dribbling skills. Throughout his career, Vinícius has secured numerous accolades, including club victories in La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and personal honors like The Best FIFA Men's Player in 2024.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nVinícius Júnior was born on July 12, 2000, in São Gonçalo, a city in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He grew up in a Catholic family with humble beginnings. His passion for football was apparent from an early age, inspired by his family's love for the sport. His father played a significant role in nurturing his interest by taking him to Flamengo's branch offices where Vinícius first showcased his potential. His dedication to football continued as he moved in with his uncle closer to Flamengo's training facilities, receiving financial aid from both the club and local entrepreneurs to pursue his dream.\n\n## Youth Career\nHis official youth career started in 2010 when he joined Flamengo's youth team. Before this, he had attended futsal classes between 2007 and 2010 at Flamengo's Niterói school. His talent was evident as he transitioned from futsal to football, resulting in his trial for Flamengo's youth team in 2010. Demonstrating promising abilities, especially his flair for attacking play, Vinícius developed into a key player for Flamengo's youth set-up. At the age of 16, his performances began drawing attention from major clubs globally.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### Flamengo\nVinícius Júnior made his senior debut for Flamengo on May 13, 2017, coming on as a substitute in a Brazilian Série A match against Atlético Mineiro. Shortly afterward, he extended his contract with Flamengo until 2022, preparing the way for a move to Real Madrid in an impressive £38 million deal, the highest ever received by a Brazilian club for a player under 18 at that time. His first professional goal came in August 2017 against Palestino in a Copa Sudamericana match, swiftly followed by his first Série A goals against Atlético Goianiense.\n\n### Real Madrid\nVinícius' transfer to Real Madrid became effective in July 2018 after his 18th birthday. His debut occurred later that year against Atlético Madrid, where he began to establish himself, scoring his first La Liga goal against Real Valladolid. He continued to develop in Madrid, featuring prominently from the 2019–20 season onwards, helping secure the club multiple domestic and international titles.\n\n#### 2018–21: Development and adaptation to Spain\nVinícius proved crucial in matches across various competitions, overcoming injuries and earning plaudits for his growing contributions. He scored notable goals, such as in El Clásico against Barcelona, aiding Real in clinching the 2019–20 La Liga title.\n\n#### 2021–22: Breakthrough, second league title, and UEFA Champions League victory\nThe 2021–22 season marked significant professional growth for Vinícius as he became an integral part of the squad, ending the season as Real Madrid's second top scorer. He scored the decisive goal in the UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool, clinching the title for Real Madrid.\n\n#### 2022–24: Inheritance of the No. 7 shirt\nIn the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup, Vinícius spearheaded Madrid's campaign to victory, and the following seasons saw him inheriting the iconic No. 7 shirt. Continuing his upward trajectory, he secured the 2024 Champions League trophy, becoming the youngest to score in two finals, surpassing even Lionel Messi.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nVinícius showcased his abilities early with Brazil's youth teams, leading them to victories in the 2015 South American U-15 Championship and the 2017 South American U-17 Championship, where he was the top scorer, proving instrumental in these triumphs.\n\n### Senior National Team\nVinícius debuted for the Brazil national team in 2021, participating in the Copa América and World Cup. He scored his first competitive goal for Brazil during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and played a pivotal role in Brazil's journey through the tournament. He captained his national team for the first time in a 2024 friendly against Spain.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nVinícius Júnior is primarily deployed as a left winger but is versatile enough to operate in various attacking roles across the front line. Known for his explosive acceleration, exceptional dribbling, technique, and flair, his playing style involves quick changes of pace and direction that allow him to dismantle defenses effectively. His physical strength and technical prowess have contributed to him becoming a dynamic attacking force.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nAs of December 2024, Vinícius has consistently secured over 20 goals per season across all competitions, showcasing his increasing goal-scoring and assisting capabilities with Real Madrid.\n\n## Records\nVinícius broke historical records, becoming the youngest player to score in two UEFA Champions League finals, enhancing his standing among the football elite.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- La Liga Titles: 2019–20, 2021–22, 2023–24\n- UEFA Champions League: 2021–22, 2023–24\n- Copa del Rey: 2022–23\n- FIFA Club World Cup: 2018, 2022\n- FIFA Intercontinental Cup: 2024\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- The Best FIFA Men's Player: 2024\n- FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11: 2023, 2024\n- UEFA Champions League Player of the Season: 2023–24\n- South American U-17 Championship Best Player: 2017\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nVinícius has received numerous accolades for both his on-field performance and off-field contributions, highlighted by the Sócrates Award in 2023 for his activism.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nVinícius Júnior has emerged as a talismanic figure for Real Madrid and Brazil. His remarkable skill set and accomplishments at a young age have left a lasting impact on the sport, inspiring the next generation of footballers worldwide.\n\n## Off the Field\nVinícius is actively involved in charitable activities, notably through his Instituto Vini Jr., which aims to facilitate education for disadvantaged children in Brazil. His activism against racism in football has drawn global attention and resulted in significant changes.\n\n## Personal Life\nVinícius is deeply rooted in his Brazilian heritage and faith, supported by his Catholic upbringing. Outside football, he is committed to education and social justice, illustrating his dedication to using his platform for positive change both within and outside the realm of sport.","stb_internal_id":"019305b0-903d-702d-9d02-ce1aac0fb8bc","overrides":null,"type_code":"attacker","position_type_code":"attacker","detailed_position_type_code":"left-wing","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":true,"introduction_html":"

Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior, known as Vinícius Júnior or Vini Jr., is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for La Liga club Real Madrid and the Brazil national team. Born on July 12, 2000, in São Gonçalo, Brazil, he is widely considered one of the best football players in the world, known for his speed, technique, and dribbling skills. Throughout his career, Vinícius has secured numerous accolades, including club victories in La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and personal honors like The Best FIFA Men's Player in 2024.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Vinícius Júnior was born on July 12, 2000, in São Gonçalo, a city in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He grew up in a Catholic family with humble beginnings. His passion for football was apparent from an early age, inspired by his family's love for the sport. His father played a significant role in nurturing his interest by taking him to Flamengo's branch offices where Vinícius first showcased his potential. His dedication to football continued as he moved in with his uncle closer to Flamengo's training facilities, receiving financial aid from both the club and local entrepreneurs to pursue his dream.

Youth Career

His official youth career started in 2010 when he joined Flamengo's youth team. Before this, he had attended futsal classes between 2007 and 2010 at Flamengo's Niterói school. His talent was evident as he transitioned from futsal to football, resulting in his trial for Flamengo's youth team in 2010. Demonstrating promising abilities, especially his flair for attacking play, Vinícius developed into a key player for Flamengo's youth set-up. At the age of 16, his performances began drawing attention from major clubs globally.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Flamengo

Vinícius Júnior made his senior debut for Flamengo on May 13, 2017, coming on as a substitute in a Brazilian Série A match against Atlético Mineiro. Shortly afterward, he extended his contract with Flamengo until 2022, preparing the way for a move to Real Madrid in an impressive £38 million deal, the highest ever received by a Brazilian club for a player under 18 at that time. His first professional goal came in August 2017 against Palestino in a Copa Sudamericana match, swiftly followed by his first Série A goals against Atlético Goianiense.

Real Madrid

Vinícius' transfer to Real Madrid became effective in July 2018 after his 18th birthday. His debut occurred later that year against Atlético Madrid, where he began to establish himself, scoring his first La Liga goal against Real Valladolid. He continued to develop in Madrid, featuring prominently from the 2019–20 season onwards, helping secure the club multiple domestic and international titles.

2018–21: Development and adaptation to Spain

Vinícius proved crucial in matches across various competitions, overcoming injuries and earning plaudits for his growing contributions. He scored notable goals, such as in El Clásico against Barcelona, aiding Real in clinching the 2019–20 La Liga title.

2021–22: Breakthrough, second league title, and UEFA Champions League victory

The 2021–22 season marked significant professional growth for Vinícius as he became an integral part of the squad, ending the season as Real Madrid's second top scorer. He scored the decisive goal in the UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool, clinching the title for Real Madrid.

2022–24: Inheritance of the No. 7 shirt

In the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup, Vinícius spearheaded Madrid's campaign to victory, and the following seasons saw him inheriting the iconic No. 7 shirt. Continuing his upward trajectory, he secured the 2024 Champions League trophy, becoming the youngest to score in two finals, surpassing even Lionel Messi.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Vinícius showcased his abilities early with Brazil's youth teams, leading them to victories in the 2015 South American U-15 Championship and the 2017 South American U-17 Championship, where he was the top scorer, proving instrumental in these triumphs.

Senior National Team

Vinícius debuted for the Brazil national team in 2021, participating in the Copa América and World Cup. He scored his first competitive goal for Brazil during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and played a pivotal role in Brazil's journey through the tournament. He captained his national team for the first time in a 2024 friendly against Spain.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Vinícius Júnior is primarily deployed as a left winger but is versatile enough to operate in various attacking roles across the front line. Known for his explosive acceleration, exceptional dribbling, technique, and flair, his playing style involves quick changes of pace and direction that allow him to dismantle defenses effectively. His physical strength and technical prowess have contributed to him becoming a dynamic attacking force.

Performance Statistics

As of December 2024, Vinícius has consistently secured over 20 goals per season across all competitions, showcasing his increasing goal-scoring and assisting capabilities with Real Madrid.

Records

Vinícius broke historical records, becoming the youngest player to score in two UEFA Champions League finals, enhancing his standing among the football elite.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

La Liga Titles: 2019–20, 2021–22, 2023–24
UEFA Champions League: 2021–22, 2023–24
Copa del Rey: 2022–23
FIFA Club World Cup: 2018, 2022
FIFA Intercontinental Cup: 2024

Individual Achievements

The Best FIFA Men's Player: 2024
FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11: 2023, 2024
UEFA Champions League Player of the Season: 2023–24
South American U-17 Championship Best Player: 2017

Awards and Recognition

Vinícius has received numerous accolades for both his on-field performance and off-field contributions, highlighted by the Sócrates Award in 2023 for his activism.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Vinícius Júnior has emerged as a talismanic figure for Real Madrid and Brazil. His remarkable skill set and accomplishments at a young age have left a lasting impact on the sport, inspiring the next generation of footballers worldwide.

Off the Field

Vinícius is actively involved in charitable activities, notably through his Instituto Vini Jr., which aims to facilitate education for disadvantaged children in Brazil. His activism against racism in football has drawn global attention and resulted in significant changes.

Personal Life

Vinícius is deeply rooted in his Brazilian heritage and faith, supported by his Catholic upbringing. Outside football, he is committed to education and social justice, illustrating his dedication to using his platform for positive change both within and outside the realm of sport.

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Transfer	Goal	Assists
Real Madrid July 2018 - Now	20	14
Brazil July 2019 - Now	2	0

Vinícius Júnior: Career