Brazilian · São Gonçalo, Brazil · Born 12 July 2000Brazilian winger known for pace, dribbling and Champions League performances. Key player in Real Madrid's recent European success and 2024 Ballon d'Or winner.
Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior was born on 12 July 2000 in São Gonçalo, in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro state, and joined Flamengo's youth academy at just six years old. He progressed through the club's development system for over a decade, making his senior debut in 2017 at 16, and his blistering pace and dribbling ability quickly made him one of the most hyped teenage prospects in South American football. Real Madrid signed Vinícius in 2018, initially assigning him to the club's reserve side before he broke into the first team, and he spent his early seasons adapting to European football amid significant pressure as one of the most expensive teenage transfers in history at the time. His development accelerated dramatically, and he became a key attacking weapon for Real Madrid, renowned for his explosive dribbling and directness down the left flank. Vinícius scored the only goal in the 2022 Champions League final against Liverpool, delivering Real Madrid's 14th European Cup, and has continued to be one of the most decisive attacking players in the competition, helping the club to further league and continental titles. He finished as runner-up for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, one of the closest results in the award's history. Vinícius has represented Brazil since 2019, becoming a key figure in the national team's attack and helping carry the weight of expectation that comes with wearing the Seleção's iconic yellow shirt, continuing to develop into one of the most feared attacking players in world football.
Winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or
How They Played
Pacey left winger with exceptional dribbling skills and direct attacking style
Lasting Impact
Vinícius has emerged as one of the defining players of Real Madrid's latest Champions League success, representing a new generation of Brazilian talent at the highest level.
Career Honours
- Champions League 2x (2022, 2024) (Real Madrid)
- La Liga 2x (2022, 2024)
- Ballon d'Or 2024
- Club World Cup 2022
- Copa del Rey 2023
- UEFA Super Cup 2022
- Champions League 2022
- Champions League 2024
- La Liga 2022
- La Liga 2024
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamengo | 2017–2018 | €45m | 50 | 11 |
| Real Madrid B | 2018–2018 | — | 5 | 4 |
| Real Madrid | 2018–Present | €45m | 242 | 77 |
 Brazil | — | — | 35 | 5 |
Brazilian Athletes