Career Timeline of Vinícius Júnior: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Vinícius Júnior, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Vinícius Júnior, also known as Vini Jr., is a Brazilian professional footballer renowned for his skills as a forward. He currently plays for Real Madrid in La Liga and represents the Brazil national team. Widely regarded as one of the best players globally, Vinícius Júnior is celebrated for his exceptional pace, technique, and dribbling prowess, making him a key player for both club and country.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: Beginning at Flamengo Branch Offices

In 2006, Vinícius Júnior's footballing career began when his father took him to the branch offices of Flamengo, in the neighborhood of Mutuá, in São Gonçalo, where he lived.

2009: Futsal Trial for Flamengo

In 2009, when Vinícius Júnior was nine, he took a futsal trial for Flamengo and was asked to return the following year.

August 2010: Trial for Flamengo Youth Team

In August 2010, Vinícius Júnior had a trial to play for the Flamengo youth team, and he accepted an invitation to play for their football team.

October 2015: Called up for Brazil U-15

On 30 October 2015, Vinícius Júnior was called up for Brazil by coach Guilherme Dalla Déa for the South American U-15 Championship.

2015: Victory at South American U-15 Championship

In 2015, Vinícius Júnior played a key role in Brazil's victory at the South American U-15 Championship, marking an early achievement in his youth career.

June 2016: Friendly Against Chile U-17

On 24 June 2016, Vinícius Júnior was called up for a friendly against Chile U-17 and 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 Júnior debuted for Brazil in the South American U-17 Championship, scoring a goal in a 3–0 victory against Peru, marking his entry into international youth competitions.

May 2017: Contract Signed with Real Madrid

In May 2017, Real Madrid signed a contract to acquire Vinícius Júnior, with the transfer becoming effective after his 18th birthday in July 2018.

May 2017: Debut and Contract Extension with Flamengo

In May 2017, Vinícius Júnior debuted for Flamengo and extended his contract with the club until 2022, including a buyout clause increase.

August 2017: First Professional Goal and Série A Goals for Flamengo

In August 2017, Vinícius Júnior scored his first professional goal for Flamengo against Palestino and his first Brazilian Série A goals against Atlético Goianiense.

2017: Senior Debut for Flamengo

In 2017, Vinícius Júnior made his senior debut for Flamengo at the age of 16, marking the beginning of his professional career.

2017: Victory at South American U-17 Championship

In 2017, Vinícius Júnior was a key player in the victory at the South American U-17 Championship, also finishing as the leading goalscorer in the competition.

July 2018: Effective Transfer to Real Madrid

In May 2017, Real Madrid signed a contract to acquire Vinícius Júnior, with the transfer becoming effective in July 2018 after his 18th birthday.

July 2018: Obligation to sell to Real Madrid

In May 2017, Vinícius Júnior reached an agreement to sell the young player to Real Madrid in July 2018.

July 2018: Official Presentation as a Real Madrid Player

On July 20, 2018, Vinícius Júnior was officially presented as a Real Madrid player and issued squad number 28.

2018: Transfer to Real Madrid and Debut

In 2018, Vinícius Júnior's transfer to Real Madrid became effective, and he debuted for the club during the 2018-19 season.

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, though an injury prevented him from playing.

February 2019: Ligament Tear and Season End

On March 6, 2019, Vinícius Júnior tore a ligament during a loss to Ajax, which ended his season after scoring four goals since his debut on September 29, 2018.

December 2019: First UEFA Champions League Goal

In December 2019, Vinícius Júnior scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in a 3–1 away win over Club Brugge.

2019: Contract Duration with Flamengo

In May 2017, Vinícius Júnior extended his contract with the club from 2019 until 2022.

March 2020: First Goal in El Clásico

In March 2020, Vinícius Júnior scored the first goal in a 2–0 win for Real Madrid in El Clásico against Barcelona.

2020: UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals

In April 2021, Vinícius Júnior scored two goals in a 3–1 win against Liverpool in the first leg of the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

2020: Surpassing total goal output

On 30 October 2021, Vinícius Júnior scored twice as Real Madrid won 2–1 at Elche, surpassing his total output of six goals in all competitions during the 2020–21 season in just 14 matches.

April 2021: Two Goals Against Liverpool

In April 2021, Vinícius Júnior scored two goals in a 3–1 win against Liverpool in the first leg of the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

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

In June 2021, Vinícius was named in Brazil's 2021 Copa América squad. It was a significant career milestone.

2021: Senior Debut and Copa América Runner-Up

In 2021, Vinícius Júnior made his senior debut for Brazil and helped his nation to a runner-up finish at the 2021 Copa América.

2021: Founded Instituto Vini Jr.

In 2021, Vinícius founded the Instituto Vini Jr., an organization dedicated to improving access to education for Brazilian children from disadvantaged neighborhoods.

2021: Start of the 2021-22 Season

Vinícius Júnior started the 2021–22 season scoring Real Madrid's fourth goal in a 4–1 away victory over Alavés on the opening day of the La Liga campaign.

2021: 2021-22 season performance

Vinícius ended the 2021–22 season as Real Madrid's second-best goalscorer with 22 goals in all competitions, being named the Champions League young player of the season.

March 2022: Debut goal for Brazil national team

On 24 March 2022, Vinícius scored his first goal for Brazil's national team in a 4-0 victory against Chile during a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match.

May 2022: First Hat-Trick for Real Madrid

On 12 May 2022, Vinícius Júnior scored his first hat-trick for Real Madrid in a 6–0 victory over Levante.

November 2022: Named in Brazil squad for 2022 FIFA World Cup

In November 2022, Vinícius Júnior was named in the Brazil squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone in his international career.

2022: Breakthrough season with Real Madrid

During the 2022 season, Vinícius had a breakthrough season with Real Madrid, significantly increasing his goal scoring and assist output and forming an effective partnership with Karim Benzema.

2022: FIFA World Cup Participation

In 2022, Vinícius Júnior represented Brazil at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, adding to his international experience.

2022: Champions League Winning Goal

In 2022, Vinícius scored the winning goal in the Champions League final for Real Madrid, contributing to one of two La Liga–Champions League doubles.

2022: Contract Duration with Flamengo

In May 2017, Vinícius Júnior extended his contract with the club from 2019 until 2022.

2022: Champions League Tournament Selection

In May 2023, Vinícius Júnior was selected in the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League team of the tournament.

2022: FIFA Club World Cup Title

On 11 February 2023, Real Madrid defeated Al-Hilal 5–3 in the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup final. Vinícius scored a brace to claim the tournament's best player award and his second Club World Cup title.

February 2023: Champions League Comeback Win Against Liverpool

On 21 February 2023, Vinícius scored two first-half goals to power Real Madrid's 5–2 comeback win at Anfield against Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League knockout stage round of 16 tie.

May 2023: Champions League Semi-Final Contribution

On 9 May 2023, Vinícius Júnior scored a remarkable long-range goal in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Manchester City, which ended in a 1-1 draw. He was selected in the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League team of the tournament.

June 2023: Selected to lead FIFA anti-racism committee

In June 2023, Vinícius was selected by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to lead a special FIFA anti-racism committee composed of players, marking a significant step in addressing racism in football.

August 2023: Decisive Goal and Injury

In August 2023, Vinícius Júnior scored the decisive goal against Almería. Later in the month, on August 25, 2023, he sustained an injury to his right biceps femoris muscle during a league match against Celta.

September 2023: Return to Play After Injury

On 27 September 2023, Vinícius Júnior made his return to play in a league fixture against Las Palmas after recovering from his injury.

October 2023: Contract Extension with Real Madrid

On 31 October 2023, Real Madrid announced that they had extended Vinícius Júnior's contract until 30 June 2027.

2023: Used as a left-sided forward or striker

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 Real Madrid's manager Carlo Ancelotti, showcasing his versatility.

2023: Inclusion in FIFPRO World XI

In 2023, Vinícius Júnior was included in the FIFPRO World XI, recognizing his performance and contribution to football.

2023: Global support in fight against racism

In 2023, Vinícius received global support following his stand against racism, with figures like President Lula and sporting icons expressing solidarity. The Christ the Redeemer statue switched off its lights in support. An anti-racism law (Vini Jr law) was approved and named after him. He also received awards, and his footprints were added to the stadium's walk of fame. Vinícius received the Sócrates Award at the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony for his humanitarian projects and fight against racism.

2023: Awarded the Sócrates Award

In 2023, Vinícius received the Sócrates Award, recognizing his contributions to humanitarian work and the fight against racism.

2023: Vinícius Gets No. 7 Jersey

In 2023, after Hazard's departure, Real Madrid confirmed that Vinícius Júnior, who previously wore the No. 20 shirt, would be sporting the club's iconic No. 7 jersey, once worn by Cristiano Ronaldo and Raúl, from the 2023–24 season onwards.

January 2024: Hat-Trick in Supercopa de España Final

On 14 January 2024, Vinícius Júnior scored a hat-trick in a 4–1 victory over Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final.

March 2024: Captain of Brazil national team

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

October 2024: First Continental Hat-Trick

On 22 October 2024, Vinícius Júnior scored his first continental hat-trick in a 5–2 comeback win against Borussia Dortmund.

2024: Copa América Participation in the United States

In 2024, Vinícius Júnior represented Brazil at the Copa América held in the United States, continuing his international career.

2024: Appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education for All

In 2024, Vinícius was appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education for All, becoming only the second footballer after Pelé to hold this role.

2024: Player of the Season, FIFA Award, and Ballon d'Or Runner-up

In 2024, Vinícius was named the Champions League Player of the Season and The Best FIFA Men's Player, also finishing as runner-up in the Ballon d'Or.

2024: Champions League Win and Player of the Season

In June 2024, Vinícius Júnior scored in Real Madrid's 2–0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League Final, winning his second trophy in the competition. He was named the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season.

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

On 22 January 2025, Vinícius Júnior 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.