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 highly regarded Brazilian professional footballer. He plays as a forward for Real Madrid in La Liga and represents the Brazil national team. Widely considered among the world's best players, Vinícius Júnior is renowned for his exceptional speed, skillful technique, and remarkable dribbling capabilities on the field.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: Beginning at Flamengo

In 2006, Vinícius Júnior's footballing career began when his father took him to the branch offices of Flamengo. He was described as a left-back.

2009: Futsal trial for Flamengo

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

August 2010: Joining the 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 and U-15 Title

In October 2015, Vinícius Júnior was called up for Brazil for the South American U-15 Championship, which he and Brazil won.

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: Friendly against Chile U-17

On 24 June 2016, Vinícius Júnior was called up for a friendly against Chile U-17. He scored two goals and provided two assists in the 4–2 victory.

May 2017: Flamengo Debut and Contract Extension

On 13 May 2017, Vinícius Júnior debuted for Flamengo. Two days later, he extended his contract with the club, increasing his salary and buyout clause.

May 2017: Signing with Real Madrid

On 23 May 2017, Real Madrid signed a contract to acquire Vinícius Júnior, 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 in a Copa Sudamericana match against Palestino. Later that month, he scored his first Brazilian Série A goals for Flamengo against Atlético Goianiense.

2017: Senior debut for Flamengo and transfer to Real Madrid

In 2017, Vinícius Júnior made his senior debut for Flamengo at age 16. Shortly after, he was subject to a transfer to Real Madrid for £38 million.

2017: South American U-17 Championship Win

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

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 Vinícius to Real Madrid

In July 2018, there was an obligation to sell Vinícius Júnior to Real Madrid, as per the agreement reached between Flamengo and Real Madrid.

July 2018: Official Presentation as a Real Madrid Player

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

2018: Real Madrid Debut

In 2018, after his 18th birthday, Vinícius Júnior debuted for Real Madrid.

February 2019: Ligament Tear and Season End

In February 2019, Vinícius Júnior tore a ligament during a loss to Ajax, which ended his season.

December 2019: First UEFA Champions League Goal

On 11 December 2019, Vinícius Júnior scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in a 3–1 win over Club Brugge.

2019: Contract duration with Flamengo

Vinícius contract with Flamengo, extended in May 2017, lasted from 2019 until 2022.

March 2020: Goal in El Clásico and La Liga Title

In March 2020, Vinícius Júnior scored the first goal in a 2–0 win for Real Madrid in El Clásico against Barcelona. He made 29 appearances during the league season, as Real Madrid won the 2019–20 La Liga.

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: Total Goals in all competitions

On 30 October 2021, Vinícius Júnior scored his sixth and seventh league goals of the season and his eighth and ninth overall, surpassing his total output of six goals in all competitions during the 2020–21 season in just 14 matches.

April 2021: 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.

2021: Champions League Young Player of the Season

At the end of the 2021–22 season Vinícius was named the inaugural Champions League young player of the season and included in the 2021–22 UEFA Champions League team of the season.

2021: Senior Debut for Brazil and Copa América Runner-Up

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

2021: Real Madrid's Season

Vinícius Júnior started the 2021–22 season by scoring Real Madrid's fourth goal in a 4–1 victory over Alavés. He earned a first-team place ahead of Eden Hazard.

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.

2022: Champions League Winner

In 2022, Vinícius Júnior helped Real Madrid win the La Liga–Champions League double, scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final.

2022: FIFA World Cup Appearance

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

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 Júnior scored a brace, claiming the tournament's best player award and his second Club World Cup title.

2022: Contract duration with Flamengo

Vinícius contract with Flamengo, extended in May 2017, lasted from 2019 until 2022.

2022: UEFA Champions League team of the tournament

Vinícius was selected in the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League team of the tournament.

February 2023: Goals Against Liverpool

On 21 February 2023, Vinícius Júnior 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-Finals

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. In the second leg, Real Madrid suffered a crushing 4–0 defeat.

August 2023: Goal Against Almería and Muscle Injury

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

September 2023: Return to Play

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: Inclusion in FIFPRO World XI

In 2023, Vinícius Júnior was included in the FIFPRO World XI.

2023: Iconic No. 7 Jersey

In 2023, after Hazard's departure, Real Madrid confirmed that Vinícius Júnior would be sporting the club's iconic No. 7 jersey from the 2023–24 season onwards.

January 2024: Hat-Trick in Supercopa de España

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

October 2024: Continental Hat-Trick

On 22 October 2024, Vinícius Júnior scored his first continental hat-trick in a 5–2 comeback win against Borussia Dortmund. He finished second in the 2024 Ballon d'Or behind Rodri.

2024: Copa América Participation

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

2024: Awards and Recognition

In 2024, Vinícius Júnior was named The Best FIFA Men's Player and finished as runner-up in the Ballon d'Or voting. He was also named the Champions League Player of the Season and helped his team win the Champions League final, scoring the second goal.

2024: Champions League Title and Player of the Season Award

On 1 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 later named the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season.

January 2025: 100th Goal milestone

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.