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 role as a forward for Real Madrid and the Brazil national team. Widely regarded as one of the best players globally, he is celebrated for his exceptional pace, technical skills, and impressive dribbling abilities. His contributions have solidified his position as a key player for both club and country.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 2010: Trial for Flamengo Youth Team

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

October 2015: Called up for Brazil U-15

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

2015: South American U-15 Championship Victory

In 2015, Vinícius Júnior was a key player in Brazil's victory at the South American U-15 Championship.

June 2016: Called up for Brazil U-17 friendly match

In June 2016, Vinícius was called up for a friendly match 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 played a key role in securing Brazil's place in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

May 2017: Debut for Flamengo

On May 13, 2017, Vinícius Júnior debuted for Flamengo as a substitute in a match against Atlético Mineiro. Two days later, he extended his contract with the club until 2022.

May 2017: Contract with Real Madrid

On May 23, 2017, Real Madrid signed a contract to acquire Vinícius Júnior, with the transfer effective after his 18th birthday.

August 2017: First Professional Goal and Série A Goals

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

2017: Senior Debut at Flamengo

In 2017, Vinícius Júnior made his senior debut for Flamengo at age 16.

2017: South American U-17 Championship Victory

In 2017, Vinícius Júnior played a crucial role and finished as the leading goalscorer in Brazil's victory at the South American U-17 Championship.

July 2018: Effective Transfer to Real Madrid

In July 2018, Vinícius Júnior's transfer to Real Madrid became effective after his 18th birthday.

July 2018: Obligation to sell to Real Madrid

In July 2018, the contract renewal was reported as an obligation to sell Vinícius to Real Madrid.

July 2018: Presentation as Real Madrid Player

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

2018: Transfer to Real Madrid

In 2018, Vinícius Júnior's transfer to Real Madrid became effective. He debuted for the club in the 2018–19 season.

February 2019: First call-up to Brazil national team

In February 2019, Vinícius Júnior received his first call-up to the Brazil national team for friendlies against Panama and the Czech Republic.

December 2019: First Champions League Goal

In December 2019, Vinícius scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in a win against Club Brugge.

2019: Contract Extension with Flamengo

In May 2017, Vinícius Júnior extended his contract with Flamengo from 2019 until 2022, increasing his salary and buyout clause.

March 2020: Goal in El Clásico

On March 1, 2020, Vinícius scored the first goal in El Clásico against Barcelona, contributing to Real Madrid's win.

2020: Champions League Quarter-Finals

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

April 2021: Goals Against Liverpool

In April 2021, Vinícius scored two goals in a win against Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals.

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

In June 2021, Vinícius Júnior was named in Brazil's 2021 Copa América squad by Tite, marking his inclusion in a major international tournament.

2021: Champions League Young Player of the Season

At the end of the 2021-22 season, for his performance Vinícius Júnior was named the inaugural Champions League young player of the season and included in the UEFA Champions League team of the season.

2021: Foundation of Instituto Vini Jr.

In 2021, Vinícius Júnior founded the Instituto Vini Jr., an organization aimed at providing access to education for disadvantaged Brazilian children and teenagers.

2021: Senior Debut for Brazil and Copa América

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

2021: Start of Breakout Season

In 2021, Vinícius Júnior started the 2021–22 season strongly, scoring in an away victory and earning a first-team place.

March 2022: First goal for Brazil

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

May 2022: First Hat-Trick for Real Madrid

In May 2022, Vinícius scored his first hat-trick for Real Madrid in a 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 by Tite, solidifying his place in the national team.

2022: Breakthrough Season and Champions League Victory

During the 2022 season, Vinícius Júnior experienced a breakthrough season with Real Madrid and after his goal in Real Madrid's victory in the 2022 Champions League final, Neymar described Vinícius as "the best player in the world."

2022: FIFA World Cup Participation

In 2022, Vinícius Júnior represented Brazil at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

2022: Champions League Winning Goal

In 2022, Vinícius Júnior scored the winning goal in the Champions League final, contributing to Real Madrid's Champions League title.

2022: FIFA Club World Cup Title

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

2022: Contract Extension with Flamengo

In May 2017, Vinícius Júnior extended his contract with Flamengo from 2019 until 2022, increasing his salary and buyout clause.

February 2023: Scoring Against Liverpool at Anfield

In February 2023, Vinícius scored two first-half goals in Real Madrid's comeback win at Anfield against Liverpool in the Champions League.

May 2023: Champions League Semi-Final Goal Against Manchester City

In May 2023, Vinícius Júnior scored a long-range goal in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Manchester City, contributing to a 1–1 draw. Real Madrid would eventually lose the second leg.

June 2023: Selected to lead FIFA anti-racism committee

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

August 2023: Decisive Goal Against Almería and Injury Against Celta

In August 2023, Vinícius Júnior scored the decisive goal against Almería. Later in the month, he sustained an injury during a match against Celta.

September 2023: Return to Play Against Las Palmas

In September 2023, Vinícius Júnior returned to play in a league fixture against Las Palmas after recovering from his injury.

October 2023: Contract Extension with Real Madrid

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

2023: Sporting the No. 7 Jersey

In 2023, Real Madrid confirmed that Vinícius Júnior would wear the club's iconic No. 7 jersey, previously worn by Cristiano Ronaldo and Raúl, starting from the 2023–24 season.

2023: Awarded the Sócrates Award

In 2023, Vinícius Júnior was awarded the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian work.

January 2024: Hat-Trick in Supercopa de España Final

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

March 2024: Captain of Brazil national team

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

October 2024: First Continental Hat-Trick

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

2024: Appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

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

2024: Copa América Representation

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

2024: Champions League Final Victory

In 2024, Vinícius Júnior scored in Real Madrid's win over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League Final. He was also named the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season.

2024: Player of the Season and FIFA Men's Player Award

In 2024, Vinícius Júnior was named the Champions League Player of the Season and The Best FIFA Men's Player and also secured second place in the Ballon d'Or voting.