History of Vinícius Júnior in Timeline

Vinícius Júnior, also known as Vini Jr., is a Brazilian professional footballer renowned for his role as a forward for Real Madrid and the Brazil national team. Widely regarded as one of the best players globally, Vinícius Júnior is celebrated for his exceptional pace, technical skills, and remarkable dribbling ability. He is a key player for both club and country.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 2015: Called up for Brazil U-15 Championship

In October 2015, Vinícius was called up for Brazil by coach Guilherme Dalla Déa for the South American U-15 Championship. He and Brazil won the title, with Vinícius as the 2nd top scorer with seven goals and named player of the tournament.

June 2016: Called up for Brazil U-17 friendly against Chile

In June 2016, Vinícius was called up for a friendly against Chile U-17, where he scored two goals and provided two assists in the 4–2 victory.

March 2017: Debut in South American U-17 Championship

In March 2017, Vinícius debuted in the South American U-17 Championship for Brazil, scoring a goal in a 3–0 victory over Peru. He later scored two goals against Ecuador and Colombia, securing Brazil's place in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He was named the tournament's best player and top goal-scorer with seven goals.

June 2017: Appeared on The Telegraph's list of best under-21 players

In June 2017, Vinícius appeared at 39th place on The Telegraph's list of the best under-21 players in the world, making him the only player from South America on the list at the time.

July 2018: Described as a 'zippy left winger or second striker'

In July 2018, shortly after Vinícius's arrival at Real Madrid, ESPN journalist Dermot Corrigan described him as a "zippy left winger or second striker", highlighting his versatility and capabilities on the field.

November 2018: Praised for his enthusiasm and ability

In November 2018, former Argentina international José Luis Calderón credited Vinícius' "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."

February 2019: First call-up to Brazil national team

In February 2019, Vinícius received his first call-up to the Brazil national team for friendlies against Panama and the Czech Republic. However, due to an injury, he was replaced by David Neres in March.

June 2021: Named in Brazil's 2021 Copa América squad

In June 2021, Vinícius was named in Brazil's 2021 Copa América squad by Tite, which was held on home soil.

December 2021: Vinícius comments on improved calmness in play

In December 2021, Vinícius commented on his improved form, stating that he has improved in many things, especially in his calmness during play, doing things with more tranquillity and quality.

2021: Founded Instituto Vini Jr.

In 2021, Vinícius founded the Instituto Vini Jr., an organization to facilitate access to school for Brazilian children and teenagers from disadvantaged neighborhoods.

2021: La Liga reported incidents of racist abuse

Since October of 2021, La Liga has reported 26 incidents of racist abuse directed at Vinícius. These included racist chants by fans and the hanging of a mannequin made to look like Vinícius from a bridge near his team's training grounds.

March 2022: Debut goal for Brazil

On March 24, 2022, Vinícius scored his debut goal for the Brazil national team in a 4–0 victory against Chile in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match.

November 2022: Named in Brazil's 2022 FIFA World Cup squad

On November 7, 2022, Vinícius was named in the Brazil squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup by Tite.

2022: Breakthrough season with Real Madrid and Champions League victory

During the 2021–22 season, Vinícius had a breakthrough season with Real Madrid. His goal-scoring and assist output increased dramatically, enabling him to form an effective offensive partnership with Karim Benzema. Following his goal in Real Madrid's victory in the 2022 Champions League final, Neymar described Vinícius as "the best player in the world."

May 2023: Racist slurs and chants; effigy incident

In May 2023, Vinícius was subjected to racist slurs and chants from football fans in Spain, including an effigy of him being hanged from a bridge in Madrid. Four men were arrested in connection with the effigy on May 23, 2023. Vinícius condemned La Liga for normalizing racism.

June 2023: Selected to lead FIFA anti-racism committee

On June 15, 2023, Vinícius was selected by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to lead a special FIFA anti-racism committee composed of players.

2023: Used in a free role for Real Madrid

During the 2023–24 season, Vinícius was used in a free role as a left-sided forward or striker in a 4–3–1–2 formation by manager Carlo Ancelotti, allowing him to move out wide or switch positions and link-up with Rodrygo.

2023: Widespread support and recognition for fight against racism

In 2023, Vinícius received support from sporting figures like Lewis Hamilton, Xavi, and Kylian Mbappé, as well as anti-racism legislations named "Vini Jr. laws" being approved in Brazilian states. He received awards and had his footprints added to the stadium's walk of fame. He also received the Sócrates Award at the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony for his humanitarian work.

2023: Awarded the Sócrates Award

In 2023, Vinícius was awarded the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian work and fight against racism.

2023: Global support and condemnation of racism

In 2023, global figures and organizations rallied in support of Vinícius following racist abuse, with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemning racism and urging strong actions. The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro switched off its lights in solidarity. Activist groups demanded investigations.

March 2024: Criticism for behavior on the field

Following an incident in March 2024 where Vinícius pushed RB Leipzig player Willi Orbán, he faced criticism for his behavior on the field, including comments from former Real Madrid player Predrag Mijatović. Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti also admitted that Vinícius should "control himself a little better".

March 2024: Captained national team for the first time

On March 26, 2024, Vinícius captained the national team for the first time in a friendly match against Spain at the Santiago Bernabéu.

October 2024: First Continental Hat-Trick

On October 2024, Vinícius scored his first continental hat-trick in a 5–2 comeback win against Borussia Dortmund and finished second in the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

November 2024: Receiving Genetic Results Linking to Tikar People

In November 2024, Vinícius Júnior received his genetic results from African Ancestry, Inc., discovering that his maternal lineage traces back to the Tikar people of Cameroon. The Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) presented him with the certificate acknowledging this heritage in front of a stadium filled with supporters.

2024: Appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

In 2024, UNESCO appointed Vinícius as a Goodwill Ambassador for Education for All, making him the second footballer after Pelé to hold this title.

2024: Copa América Representation

In 2024, Vinícius represented Brazil at the Copa América in the United States.

2024: Champions League Final Goal and Player of the Season

In 2024, Vinícius scored the second goal in the Champions League final. He was named the Champions League Player of the Season. Vinícius was included in the FIFPRO World XI and was named The Best FIFA Men's Player. He also finished runner-up in the Ballon d'Or voting.

January 2025: 100th and 101st Goals for Real Madrid

On 22 January 2025, Vinícius scored his 100th and 101st goals for Real Madrid in a 5–1 Champions League win over Red Bull Salzburg, becoming the 23rd player to achieve this feat for the club.

May 2025: Release of Netflix documentary Vini Jr

In May 2025, Netflix released a documentary film titled Vini Jr, directed by Emílio Domingos and Andrucha Waddington. The film chronicles his life and career, including his response to racism on and off the pitch.

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February 2026: Became the Second-Highest Brazilian Scorer

On 17 February 2026, Vinícius scored the only goal in a 1–0 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.

February 2026: Racism Allegations against Benfica

On 17 February 2026, during a Champions League match against Benfica, Vinícius scored the winning goal but was booked for excessive celebration. Later, play was halted for about 10 minutes after he reported a racist remark from Gianluca Prestianni, prompting UEFA's anti-racism protocol. UEFA opened an investigation.